Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 4 December 2000 For Use: Immediately

Launch Of European Funds Strategy For Increased

Prosperity For Islands

A strategy to maximise the potential benefits for the Western Isles arising from the funding opportunities afforded by the Highlands and Islands Transitional Programme for 2000 - 2006 was launched today by the partners in a multi-agency Western Isles group.

The Western Isles Transitional Programme Strategy, drawn up by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Iomairt nan Eilean Siar, the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh LEADER Group, Scottish Natural Heritage, Lews Castle College, the Western Isles Tourist Board and the four councils of Voluntary Organisations in the Western Isles, aims over the next six years to increase the prosperity of the Western Isles through sustainable economic development and to promote social and economic inclusion throughout the islands.

Alasdair Morrison, MSP said: "I welcome this initiative to take a structured and strategic approach to prioritise projects from the Western Isles under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme. It will maximise potential benefits arising from funding opportunities under the HISTP programme for 2000 to 2006 and puts the crucial objective of job creation right at the heart of the strategy. This will provide a framework for developing business infrastructure, increasing competitiveness and improving prosperity for all across the Western Isles. I commend everyone involved in this initiative and wish them every success for the future."

It is anticipated that the Western Isles Transitional Programme Strategy will lead to the economic regeneration of the area.

The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Alex MacDonald, said:

"The Western Isles will have to compete with other regions for HISTP funding and the total amount of money being sought will be greater than the total funding available from the HISTP. For the Western Isles to take full advantage of the development opportunities arising from HISTP, it is vital that we high quality and focussed applications to the Programme. I am pleased that all the partners involved in drawing up this Strategy which is vital for the future of the Western Isles, are here today. It is particularly fitting that we are here in Drinishader, an Iomairt Ag An Oir area, for the launch. The success of the HISTP programme will be judged on what it does for our remoter and economically disadvantaged areas. It is time to reverse the trend of recent years and build the paths to economic prosperity that our communities deserve."

The priority areas of the HISTP are: Increasing Business Competitveness; Creating the conditions for Regional Competitiveness; Developing Human Resources; Rural Development and Fisheries.

Chairman of Western Isles Enterprises, Duncan Macinnes, said: "The Strategy builds on the success of the Objective 1 partnership in the Western Isles and confirms agencies' commitment to working together to the benefit of the Western Isles area. The primary objective will be increasing employment and business development opportunities through providing direct support for private sector developments and for initiatives which enhance the skills base locally. Continued investment in infrastructure, and transport and communications will also be targeted."

Within the overall framework, the Western Isles Strategy will specifically focus on improving Employment and Economic Structure, increasing Social Inclusion and minimising and avoiding Peripherality. Central to these objectives will be the creation of jobs in the islands and it is hoped that the islands' unique cultural, geographical and linguistic traditions will provide the platform for maximising economic development opportunities.

In addition, the Strategy aims to incorporate Community Planning, Equal Opportunities and Partnership and these themes will be a common thread in all applications submitted to the HISTP.

It is anticipated that the Western Isles Transitional Programme Strategy Group will continue to meet throughout the duration of the Programme's period in order to monitor the success of actual applications and measure the region's progress towards the long term aim.

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Contacts: Derek McKim, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, 703773 ext 270

Donald Macneil, HIE 01463 234171

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