New funding for Scotland's islands to help improve infrastructure

Funding of £4m is to be made available to help improve infrastructure on Scotland’s islands.

The investment will be allocated to the six island local authorities.

It will allow them to fund the improvement, creation or safeguarding of locally developed infrastructure projects.

The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s £30m Islands Programme.

It was established to support the implementation of the National Islands Plan, a strategy which aims to help improve the quality of life for island communities.

Scotland’s rural affairs and Islands secretary Mairi Gougeon explained that the funding will be complemented by ongoing planned investment.

“I am pleased to announce further investment from the £30m National Islands Plan infrastructure investment fund,” she said.

“I am providing £4m 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.”

Gougeon acknowledged the financial impact on Scottish islands of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on our islands,” she said.

“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.”