A revised economic regeneration strategy for the Western Isles has been relaunched today in Stornoway. The strategy, Creating Communities of the Future, is a partnership plan, led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and endorsed by the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership.

The strategy outlines the unique opportunity that exists to revitalise the Islands and to tranform the Outer Hebrides into a net contributor to the national economy whilst bringing economic prosperity to the communities of the Islands.

Six inter-related key economic drivers are identified as having the potential to revitalise the economy of the Outer Hebrides and act as a catalyst for other economic sectors.

Alex MacDonald, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, said: “We believe that Creating Communities of the Future will help shape the future of the Outer Hebrides. Our vision is multi-faceted. We want to see:
· a diverse and growing population
· a renewable energy sector of international renown
· a world-class tourism industry
· confident communities taking control of their land and sea assets
· a connected community with high-quality transport and IT systems
· UHI Millennium Institute providing numerous students who are part of the community
· a diverse range of high-quality, modern, social and leisure facilities
and the growth and strengthening of the Gaelic language and its related culture

This is a highly ambitious agenda, but one that we are committed to. Seizing these opportunities will require the support of public agencies in the Islands and I am delighted that we have the backing of the Community Planning partnership. Equally importantly we require the support of central government, both at a Scottish and UK level.
For many years the potential of the Western Isles has gone untapped, leaving our young people to drift away, reducing our population and eroding our confidence. The time has come for that to stop. There are signs that we have perhaps stopped the rot. Now we must build on that, utilising the resources at our disposal, of which we have many. The opportunities are there - let us seize the moment and work together to Create Communities of the Future.”

William Roe, Chairman of HIE, said: “We share the ambitions of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and other partner organisations to revitalise the Western Isles.
“We must work together to create conditions which encourage the young people of the islands to stay and attract others to settle here. In particular we need to realise the potential of the knowledge economy in the Western Isles.”

Copies of the revised ‘Creating Communities of the Future’ are now being sent to the First Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland. Copies of the document can be obtained from Calum Iain Maciver, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Head of Economic Development, on 01851 709594 or a summary can be viewed at www.cne-siar.gov.uk/ccof

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

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