SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the announcement that two projects in the Western Isles will receive a combined total of £27,300 in the first round of grants from the Scotland Loves Local Fund.

The funding, announced last week, is supporting over 100 organisations, who will receive a share of the £1.5 million funding boost to help revitalise cities, town centres and neighbourhoods across Scotland. They will encourage support for local economies which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and help restore local tourism, make town centres more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and support communities to refurbish shop fronts and public spaces ahead of the festive season.

The successful applicants based in the Western Isles are Harris Development Ltd and Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis (GAIN).

Commenting on the funding award announcement, Allan said:

“I am delighted that both Harris Development Ltd and Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis are going to benefit from significant funding from the first round of grants from the Scotland Loves Local Fund. I am looking forward to seeing the results of these projects and the positive impact they will have on the local economy.

“After the past year and a half, the Scotland Loves Local funding will help spur on projects across the whole country which will unlock innovation and action, making our communities stronger.

“This funding is an example of the SNP’s determination to support Scotland’s local communities, including those in the Western Isles, as we recover from the pandemic – helping make sure we create a fairer, healthier, greener, inclusive and more sustainable economic recovery.”

The Harris Marketplace Project will showcase the area’s food produce and artisan goods, with the funding supporting the creation of a new brand and a range of activities in the summer of 2022 to promote the area’s unique offering.

Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis will use their funding allocation to employ a project manager for the Eoropie Dunes Play Park, which will involve coordinating various projects such as mobilising and managing volunteers, running community activities, and ensuring close liaison and cooperative working with partner organisations in the community.