ALASDAIR ALLAN WELCOMES £1.5 MILLION SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING AWARD FOR ISLAND COMMUNITY PROJECTS

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed news that over £1.5 million in Scottish Government funding has been awarded to support a range of sustainable, community-led projects across the Western Isles.

The funding, announced as part of the 2025–26 Islands Programme and the Carbon Neutral Islands Fund, will back five local initiatives designed to strengthen community infrastructure, preserve island heritage, and help deliver Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

Projects in Lewis, Harris, North Uist, Scalpay and Vatersay are set to benefit, with investments focused on improving energy efficiency, regenerating vital community spaces, and creating facilities that will serve local people for generations to come.

• Scalpay Community Heritage Centre – awarded £647,280 to begin the first phase of redevelopment of the island’s only community hall. The work will make the building more accessible, energy efficient, and better equipped to meet community needs.
• Leverburgh Village Hall Regeneration Project– receiving £474,071 to upgrade and modernise facilities, ensuring the hall remains a focal point for local events and activities.
• Comunn Eachdraidh Nis – granted £100,000 to enhance this key heritage hub, preserving local history while supporting cultural tourism and education.
• North Uist Community Heritage Centre (Carinish Old School) – awarded £83,235 to help transform the historic site into a dynamic centre for community use and heritage engagement.
• Vatersay Community Hall and Café – Decarbonising Community Spaces – benefiting from £249,007 through the Carbon Neutral Islands Fund, supporting major improvements in energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

The funding is part of a wider £5.9 million Scottish Government package supporting 23 island projects across six local authorities, coordinated by the Scottish Futures Trust to promote sustainable island development.

Commenting, Dr Allan said:

“This is tremendous news for communities across the Western Isles. With support from the Scottish Government, local groups are leading the way in revitalising our community buildings, cutting carbon emissions and preserving our island heritage.

“From Ness to Vatersay, these funds will support the kind of local-led initiatives that keep our island communities thriving. I would like to thank all the community groups involved as well as the Comhairle for their hard work in securing this investment which will have a lasting impact on people across the Western Isles.”