This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Initiative at the Edge
06/10/2003
A website designed to help some of Scotland's most remote communities access key public services has been re-launched.
Part of 'Initiative at the Edge' (Iomairt aig an Oir), established in 1998, it will now include more interactive features where local development officers can exchange information and ideas and where summaries of Management Group discussions and recommendations, and details of important decisions can be found.
The initiative aims to overcome the difficulties which some remote communities have in accessing support from the main public sector agencies and others.
It offers designated communities a public agency Partnership commitment and a framework in which they can bring together their own ideas for the long term regeneration of their areas.
Assisted by local development officers, delivery of a community's Local Development Plan is then taken forward by the local group and agencies at the local level.
Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald, attending a meeting of the Initiative's steering group today, said:
"The Executive fully supports 'Initiative at the Edge', which has so far supported the growth of fresh ideas and aspirations in some of Scotland's most remote communities.
"Individual projects are driven by communities themselves, some of them involving major capital and revenue expenditure, which are making a real difference to people's lives.
"There are currently eight communities designated as part of the initiative. The success of the scheme will mean a number of these areas will soon exit the Initiative, and allow a number of new communities to join."
Sandy Cumming, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), added:
"The HIE network is very happy to continue our support of the Initiative at the Edge, its project team, and the development of this website. The discussion forum on the site will allow peripheral communities across the whole Highlands and Islands easily to exchange their experiences of development and share best practice.
"This will both improve the effectiveness of the Initiative and spread its benefits well beyond those areas designated as IatE areas."
The announcement of the relaunched website comes ahead of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands which is taking place in Stornoway tomorrow.
Speaking ahead of the Convention, Mr Macdonald said:
"The Executive is working for all areas of Scotland, including remote communities. The Convention is an excellent forum to allow Ministers to work with councils, key agencies, and communities.
"The Initiative is a good example of this co-operation being put into practice, and this announcement will help continue that work."
The designated areas covered in the Initiative are: Uig and Bernera, Bays of Harris, Eriskay, Lochboisdale, Ardnamurchan, Colonsay, North Sutherland, and Westray/Papa Westray.
The Initiative brings together the Executive, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the Crofters' Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, Communities Scotland, and relevant local authorities.
The overall strategic direction of the Initiative is led by the National Steering Group (NSG), chaired by Lewis Macdonald. The NSG comprises Scottish Executive officials, the National Co-ordinator of the Initiative, senior representatives from Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the Crofters' Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, Communities Scotland and a senior representative from each of the local authorities in the designated areas.
A Management Group, comprising the public sector partners and community group representatives directs the operation of the Initiative.
A National Co-ordinator - Murdo Mackay, on 01859 511284 or 07880 553989 - provides strategic direction across the designated areas, liaises with Local Development Groups to offer them support, and provides links with the National Steering and Management Groups.