Western Isles in line for £20 million UK Government investment

The UK Government has named the Western Isles as its first levelling up partnership in Scotland.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been allocated £20 million for investment in projects to economically benefit the islands and create local jobs.

Officials from the government’s Levelling Up department will work with the council’s development staff in the coming months to submit projects with the cash expected to be spread over two years.

The Comhairle said it plans to develop a suite of deliverable projects.

Since Brexit, the government has taken a leading role in replacing European funding schemes with its Levelling Up agenda which aims to end geographical inequality.

The funding revealed in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement, falls greatly short of the comhairle previously bid of £68 million to improve roads and causeways as well as creating walking and cycle routes which was denied in the spring.

Cash for cultural, heritage and archaeological regeneration - including the development of a network of world class attractions - was also refused.

Funding for planned new community infrastructure as part of the Barra and Vatersay community campus project formed part of the application.

However, some of these projects are now expected to be revived and presented afresh.

Recently, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, told Hebrides News it is “critical” that business cases for projects are “robust.”

He added: “We will work with Western Isles Council and others to do our very best to deliver funding.”

The comhairle awaits details of what is involved in the partnership approach but anticipates that investments may include supporting strategic projects already identified through the Islands Growth Deal; supporting Culture and Heritage; supporting Net Zero and fuel poverty innovation; developing community infrastructure and supporting efforts to tackle depopulation.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, said: “It is excellent news that we have announced the first ever Levelling Up Partnerships for Scotland that will see four local authorities each receive £20 million from the UK Government for bespoke place-based regeneration, following an approach on selection developed in collaboration with Scottish government.

“I was in Stornoway just last month to chair the UK Islands Forum and I know that community leaders have strong ideas on how we can break down barriers to levelling up and improve opportunities for everyone living and working in the islands.

“I look forward to working directly with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and the Scottish Government, as we develop plans for the most impactful way to invest this £20m in the Western Isles.”

Cllr Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “At the UK Islands Forum the Comhairle called on all levels of Government to prioritise island communities and make funding decisions that lead to real positive long-term outcomes.

“This investment of £20 million has the potential to make a real difference to the Outer Hebrides and I look forward to working with the UK and Scottish Government’s to build and deliver a suite of innovative projects that will help sustain and develop the economy of the Outer Hebrides.

“Across the Outer Hebrides we have a suite of transformational economic development opportunities and am I hopeful that the Levelling Up Partnership approach will be the catalyst to deliver on these opportunities and create new jobs, particularly in our more peripheral communities.”

Western Isles in line for £20 million UK Government investment

23 November 2023

Michael Gove