This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Euro funding for Highlands & Islands
06/06/2005
Some of Scotland's most remote communities are to share in a European funding package worth more than £8.7 million, it was announced today.
Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson said:
"Projects across the Highlands and Islands will receive money that will help create jobs, boost local economies, improve transport links and provide training and development opportunities.
"I have absolutely no doubt of the transformation European funding can bring - not only bricks and mortar, but people's lives. I have visited many projects supported by European funding across Scotland and seen first hand how people have benefited. Just looking at the figures, no matter how large or impressive they seem, really doesn't tell the story of how projects help individual people on a personal level.
"The projects supported by the grants I am announcing today are great examples of this. In particular, the Looking Back Moving Forward - Traditional Rural Skills Training Centre will receive pound63,255 to help provide training and career opportunities in traditional industries such as forestry, agriculture, environmental conservation and traditional building crafts in the Lochaber area.
"I am also impressed by the planned Cultural and Creative Industries project at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, in Sleat, on the Isle of Skye. This will receive pound1,905,194 towards the cost of developing a centre of excellence in Creative and Cultural Industries and to house business incubation spaces, visual arts spaces and a crèche.The building is intended to support 70 direct and 20 indirect jobs."
The Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme (HISTP) 2000 - 2006 establishes a broad framework for using European Funds to support work by local partner organisations and sets out targets and priorities. The programme incorporates four funds: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); European Social Fund (ESF); European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF); and Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).
Funding of pound205 million (€300M) available is available under the HISTP. pound177.8 million has been approved to date.
3. The aims of the HISTP are to:
- To increase business competitiveness by creating and supporting SMEs
- Create conditions for regional competitiveness by improving communications, promoting renewable energy, improving waste and water systems and improving community and social infrastructures.
- Human resource development through education and training
- Assisting rural communities by supporting agriculture, fisheries, environment, forestry and rural heritage and community economic development.