Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 24th July 2020

ISLES MSP WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF ISLANDS DEAL

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the announcement of the long-awaited £50 million Growth Deal for the Islands.
The £50 million sum allocated by the UK Government will be match-funded by the Scottish Government.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

‘The Islands Deal is an exceptional and long-awaited chance to invest in transformational projects in Scotland’s islands.

‘Now that the UK Government have given the go ahead from their side of the bargain, the Scottish Government has matched them pound for pound, and is determined to see the infrastructure and economy of the islands given a boost, at a time when that is needed.

‘The Comhairle has put together a list of potential projects with which it made its funding bid, and the Scottish Government will now work closely with the Comhairle and the community to make sure that as many of these as possible now become a reality.’

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 24th July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 23rd July 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ISLANDS DEAL FUNDING

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the Prime Minister announcement, of an Islands Growth Deal for the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.

The Deal comprises an investment of £50m from the UK Government and £50m from the Scottish Government. This will now allow delivery, of a number of projects, developed by the Comhairle and its public and private sector partners.

Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Roddie Mackay said: “The Islands Growth Deal is the culmination of a lot of hard work between the Comhairle, our Islands Council partners and both Governments in recent years and represents a good outcome for the Islands

The announcement is also a vote of confidence by both Governments in the economy and future of the Outer Hebrides.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 23rd July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 22nd July 2020

ENERGY CONNECTIVITY AND ISLANDS

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar Representatives, meet Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and Islands, to discuss several issues relating to broadband connectivity and ferry service arrangements.

Cllr Roddie Mackay, said: “The Minister was quick to reassure us that the Scottish Government’s R100 project, which guarantees superfast broadband for everyone in Scotland, will not leave anyone in the Western Isles behind.

Transport Scotland confirmed that in future, a careful process of consultation and financial consideration, would be taken before the procurement and undertaking of new vessels and large-scale harbour projects. They also confirmed that they would engage with islands’ communities before embarking on any new service changes. There was also a discussion on the new booking system and the need to ensure that it captured unmet demand.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 21st July 2020

NEW ADVICE FOR FUNERALS

The Scottish Government has issued updated advice for funerals .Funeral services should be attended, by no more than 20 people. Numbers of attendees, will also be based on the size of the venue and its ability to maintain strict physical distancing measures, so the number able to attend, may be less than 20.

All attendees must maintain at least a 2 metre distance from each other at all times and should consider the use of a face covering, particularly if in an enclosed space.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 21st July 2020