Environmental Committee Established In The Western Isles

The first meeting of an inter-agency Environmental Committee was held in Stornoway on Friday 9th December. The meeting was facilitated by Western Isles Development Trust.

The Committee has been formed to fully understand the evolving environment of the Western Isles. It agreed to set their initial remit around four key tasks:
1. To undertake a detailed overview of the environment of the Western Isles
2. To develop community based Management Plans for specific locations
3. To identify projects and processes that can be undertaken to develop and enhance the local environment
4. To identify funding to implement a series of environmental enhancement measures.

The Committee appointed Iain MacIver, representing Muaitheabhal Trust, as its Chairperson and David MacLennan from Scottish Natural Heritage as Vice-Chair.

Speaking after the meeting Mr. MacIver said, “The uniqueness and importance of the environment of the Western Isles is acknowledged by all. There are immense challenges, however, both natural and man-made, which are impacting on that environment and on the communities who live within that environment”.

Mr. MacIver continued, “Today’s meeting brought together a wide cross section of interests to consider these environmental issues and challenges and to help plan our way forward. I am encouraged that we were able to bring together these organisations and that they all agreed to move forward constructively, in partnership, to try and address some of the key issues.”

Speaking on behalf of Western Isles Development Trust, Mr. Peter Carlin, the Trust’s Chairman, said, “I believe our environment is a unique resource that offers us a range of excellent future opportunities. With a bit of imagination and a well-thought through programme of pro-active activities, I think we can achieve significant gain and enhancement across all areas of our local environment. Western Isles Development Trust is committed to the environment of these islands and to releasing financial resources to ensure its on-going betterment”

The Environment Committee considered a number of topics and was given an overview of the present state of the environment. This covered a broad range of issues from the various environmental designations in place and current land-use practices through to the impacts of climate change and the serious issues of depopulation faced by the wider community.

It was agreed to begin working on a comprehensive exercise to begin mapping these issues and to work towards strategic and community Management Plans. The Committee is next expected to meet in February 2006.

Note to News Desks:

For further information on the Environmental Committee contact
Calum Iain MacIver
01851 709 594
calum.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk <mailto:calum.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk>

Western Isles Development Trust is an independent Trust seeking to promote sustainable, economic, social and environmental activity across the Western Isles.

The Environmental Committee is comprised of the following organisations:
Stornoway Trust
Galson Trust
Barvas Estate
Muaitheabhal Trust
Scottish Crofters’ Foundation
Lewis Wind Power
Beinn Mhor Power
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Crofters Commission
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Scottish Natural Heritage
Western Isles Development Trust

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

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