SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed yesterday’s announcement of additional funding for local island projects from the second payment tranche of the Scottish Government’s Island Communities Fund.

The fund provides investment for community-led projects that support employment and community resilience, and contribute to Scotland’s just transition to net zero and climate resilient living on islands.

Of the 180 applicants to the fund in the summer of 2021, 35 island-based projects focussed on sustainability and green travel options have now been awarded financial support.

Commenting after the announcement, Allan said:

“It is welcome news indeed that a further two projects here in the Western Isles have been successful in securing this funding from the Scottish Government.

“Tagsa Uibhist and the West Harris Trust do excellent work in our local communities, and their new projects will be of significant social, economic and environmental benefit to our islands.

“It is vital that community organisations continue to be given the support they need to continue to lead the way in sustainability as part of Scotland’s just transition to net zero.”

The West Harris Trust has been awarded £127,794 for the second phase of the Seilebost School refurbishment, and Tagsa Uibhist have been awarded £34,654 for their Uist Social Connectivity through Green Community Transport project.