Leader funding

The Outer Hebrides Leader action group has awarded grants totalling over £1 million to island community groups and businesses across the Outer Hebrides since the programme opened for applications in April.

A total of 17 community-led projects with a total value of almost £3.5 million have been supported by the initiative this year.

The grants have levered-in additional investment worth nearly £2.5m, equal to over £3.30 for each £1 of Leader funding committed.

Colin Gilmour, chairman of the body said: “The 17 projects supported to-date will deliver clear economic benefits through progressing income-generation opportunities, along with achieving a range of cultural and social benefit spin-offs for local communities across the Outer Hebrides.”

He said the Scottish Government allocated a total of £3.17m up to 2020 for the current EU programme in the Western Isles.

£1 million for Western Isles community projects

24 November 2016