THE community groups and businesses across Scotland’s islands which will benefit from a £2 million fund have been announced by the Government.
A total of 29 different enterprises across 23 of the country’s islands will be awarded grants of up to £150,000 each.
The Government said the chosen projects will “focus on developing sustainable economic activities on islands with the majority having a net zero theme, while also supporting the delivery of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan (2019)”.
Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon (below) said: “With just a few weeks until the eyes of the world are on Scotland for COP26, it’s great to see more projects designed to address the growing climate crisis.
“There is so much potential across our islands and we received many innovative and creative applications. It’s clear to me that our island communities are going to play an important role in helping us meet our ambitious climate change targets and I am excited about that.
“The projects that have been awarded funding will contribute to our ambition to make Scotland greener and fairer. They will help us achieve a just transition to net zero and climate resilient living on our islands. I’m looking forward to seeing work get underway to help people, businesses and communities on our islands thrive.”
Projects include the installation of a range of spinning mills to allow full processing of fleece into yarn on Foula, which will use electricity from Foula’s off grid renewable network, and a project to expand a community garden on Lewis to improve mental health opportunities and reduce social isolation.
The largest single grant, of £149,785, has been awarded to An Laimhrig Community Hub on the island of Eigg.
The Green Economic Recovery of Cumbrae has been awarded £67,000, and the active travel hub on Gigha has been awarded £75,600.
The full list of projects and grants can be found on the Scottish Government website.
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