Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has expressed disappointment at a major shortfall in funding for the Outer Hebrides announced in the LEADER awards.

The Outer Hebrides LEADER Group made a bid of £2.4m to the scheme but has received only £0.94m.

The LEADER Scheme has a strategic aim of revitalising communities by addressing specific issues of geographical handicap, remoteness and perpherality; economic fragility and job creation; population decline, out-migration of young people and women; inadequate community infrastructure and facilities. Key aims include developing the Gaelic language and culture; a sustainable natural environment and social inclusion.

Archie Campbell, Chairman of the Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee, said: “It is disappointing that the allocated figure falls short of what the Outer Hebrides LEADER Steering Group had identified and bid for.  It will also be disappointing for island communities who have been closely involved in an extensive consultation exercise. We will continue to work to increase the share of European Funding allocated to the Outer Hebrides where need is amongst the greatest in Scotland and the UK.”

LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions de Developpement Economique Rurale) is a European funding programme aimed at growing rural communities and improving facilities.  The funding attracts further matching money from other public sector and private sources.

The EU programme period 2007-2013 possibly represents the final major opportunity for the Highlands and Islands to benefit from EU funds.

It is hoped that the Outer Hebrides will still secure substantial European funding from the £19m LEADER Convergence fund set aside specifically for the Highlands and Islands.

Cllr Campbell said: “It is essential that we get a substantial settlement from the Highlands and Islands LEADER Convergence funding in order to deliver the projects and aspirations that were identified at consultation meetings throughout the Islands.”

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk