Balivanich Regeneration Project Receives Funding

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has given approval for the investment of around a quarter of a million pounds of Scottish Government Town Centre Fund monies in Balivanich, as part of the Balivanich Regeneration Project.

The funding will be invested in a series of small-scale but important projects, which add up to a significant suite of improvements, opening the way for future regeneration opportunity.

The regeneration project will look to improve the aesthetics of Balivanich, prioritise road safety for pedestrians, provide better walking path links, improve street lighting as well as helping to fund many other small-scale community led projects.  

These projects have been developed following extensive community consultation and carry the support of groups including Benbecula Community Council and the North Uist and Benbecula Locality Planning Partnership.

Rona Mackay, Chair of the Benbecula Community Council said, “Benbecula Community Council are very happy that the list of projects for Balivanich Regeneration have got the green light to go ahead. This is great news for Balivanich in terms of improving safety and access in and around the village, with a mix of practical and aesthetic changes.

“Thank you to the North Uist and Benbecula Locality Planning Partnership and the Comhairle for making the community's aspirations possible!”

Councillor Donald Crichton, Chair of Sustainable Development said, “The purpose of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund is to encourage town centres to diversify and flourish, I am confident that with the proposed projects and the continued hard work of everyone involved that this can be achieved in Balivanich as the first stage of a phased investment.

“The potential impact that this injection of funds can have on the community of Balivanich and the wider population of Benbecula is simply immeasurable. Thanks must go to all who have contributed to the development of the projects and taken it to the point of funding approval.”