Highlands and Islands should have qualified for European Objective 1

18 November 2003

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is carrying out detailed analysis of figures revealed which appear to show that the Highlands and Islands should have qualified for European Objective 1 funding for the period 2000-2006.

The Highlands and Islands lost out on Objective 1 because the GDP figure for the area was believed to be above 75% of the European average. A reassessment of that figure indicates that the GDP was significantly lower than 75% and would have resulted in the Highlands and Islands qualifying for a further round of Objective 1.

Convener Alex MacDonald said: “"This is a matter of extreme concern. The Comhairle is analysing these figures further but it certainly looks as though the Highlands and Islands lost out on much needed European Objective 1 funding because the decision was based on figures that have turned out to be wrong. Not only has the area unjustly lost out for 2000-2006 but we could have been looking at a transitional phase beyond 2006."

Vice-Convener Angus Campbell called for an investigation into how the figures seem to have been so badly miscalculated:
“We deserve to know why these figures were wrong. The Highlands and Islands has lost out on millions of pounds of funding and we need to examine what our options are now. I will be contacting other local authorities and the Enterprise companies to discuss this as a matter of urgency.”

The Highlands and Islands received around £250m from Objective 1 with the Western Isles receiving around £30m.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk