Government announces £4m investment in islands

THE SCOTTISH Government has pledged a £4 million funding package to help improve infrastructure on Scotland’s islands

The capital investment will be allocated to the six local authorities with islands to fund the “improvement, creation or safeguarding of locally developed infrastructure projects”.

The funding is part of the £30 million Islands Programme, established to support the implementation of the National Islands Plan.

Speaking at the Convention of Highlands and Islands, secretary for rural affairs and the islands Mairi Gougeon said: “I am pleased to announce further investment from the £30 million National Islands Plan infrastructure investment fund.

“I am providing £4 million across the six island local authorities which will enable us to work together to support critical projects and to help make our islands even better places to live, study, work and raise a family.

“This funding is complemented by ongoing planned investment which is designed to support those living on Scotland’s islands and will involve communities in the decisions on how and where investments are made.

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“The economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on our islands. The many challenges that communities have faced have been varied and that is why I am committed to delivering the National Islands Plan in partnership with our island partners.

“I know that by working together, we can maximise the impact of our investments and support good, solid projects that will help islanders to thrive.”

The £4 million has been committed for the financial year 2022/23.

The islands programme will be delivered in partnership with local government and open to applications from the six island local authorities.

Meanwhile the Scottish Futures Trust will support Scottish Government in the delivery of the Islands Programme.

Senior associate director at Scottish Futures Trust’s Investment and Place team Neil Rutherford said:  “We have been providing dedicated expertise and support to the Islands Programme and will be managing the application, assessment and delivery process of the new projects.

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“As a centre of infrastructure expertise, we are very much looking forward to working with the six island local authorities and island communities, to deliver critical and transformational infrastructure that will support islanders with the aim of encouraging population growth, recovery from the pandemic and help to deliver the Scottish Government’s net-zero ambitions.”