South Uist group leads the way in tackling coastal erosion 11/2/13
Pioneering work by Lochboisdale Amenity Trust has resulted it in being selected as one of four pilot projects in Scotland to lead the way in combating costal erosion.
The South Uist body which is supported by Oxfam has been awarded £47,152 for projects which will tackle coastal erosion and improve drainage systems to protect land from flooding in the Southern Isles.
Environment minister Paul Wheelhouse said:“As recent weather events have shown the
impacts of climate change -
“That is why it’s important to look at new ways of dealing with the consequences in order to support our communities – like those in the Outer Hebrides – to adapt to the challenges they face and develop projects which will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Chair of the Lochboisdale Amenity Trust (LAT) Donald MacPhee, said: "We are delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to award this money to South Uist.
“It's a vote of confidence in the work that the LAT has already done, helping local people get directly involved in protecting our coastline from the effects of climate change.
"This award from the Climate Challenge Fund will allow us to bring local people together with experts to decide how best to expand that work in the future in a way that will make a real difference to people's lives."
Head of Oxfam Scotland, Judith Robertson, said: "We are delighted with this award.
From our work around the globe, Oxfam knows that climate change is having a devastating
impact on people's livelihoods -
“Climate change makes it harder for people to make a living from the land. That's as true in Uist as it is in Bangladesh.