TWO ISLAND PROJECTS BENEFIT FROM REGENERATION CAPITAL GRANT FUND
SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that £2,100,000 worth of funding for two projects in the Western Isles has been awarded as part of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
£1,800,000 has been awarded to the Cnoc Soilleir project for the establishment of a new state-of-the art modern building for Gaelic and cultural heritage in South Uist, including Gaidhlig language, music, dance and education. The building has been designed to become a local focal point for the community and visitors. It is an innovative joint venture between Ceòlas and Lews Castle College UHI.
£368,338 has also been awarded to the Grinneabhat Project to redevelop the former school in Bragar, which closed in 2013. The project has been developed by the community through extensive consultation and will involve the building undergoing a full refurbishment to include an exhibition space to showcase historical and cultural displays and local artists’ work.
Alasdair Allan MSP said: “I am really pleased that both of these projects have been able to secure this funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
“Ceòlas and Lews Castle College have developed impressive and ambitious plans for a centre for Gaelic music, dance and culture at Cnoc Soilleir. The project will have a significant role in helping with the revitalisation of the Gaelic language in Scotland, while creating jobs and increasing cultural and educational activity in Uist.
“There has also been a strong desire within the community in Bragar to see the school continue as a community asset. This project has the potential to bring great economic benefits to that part of Lewis and I have been supportive of it in my capacity as local MSP.”
Read more: Local News for Monday 18th March 2019
NORTH HARRIS WATER WORKS BEGIN
Work was recently started by Scottish Water to deliver an improved water supply for Gobhaig and Huisinis in North Harris. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has granted planning consent for a new Water Treatment Works (WTW) and water storage tank to serve customers in the two communities.
Taken together with 3.7 miles of new water main, the total investment value of the project is expected to be around £4.5million. The first element of the work which has started on site is the installation of the new water mains, which is being carried out by civil engineering contractor Duncan Mackay and Sons.
Scottish Water’s main contractor Ross-shire Engineering is making final preparations to start work on site for the new WTW and storage tank. The WTW building itself is being built and partially commissioned off-site at Ross-shire Engineering’s specialist factory in Muir of Ord, before delivery to its long term home later in the year.
Scottish Water Project Manager Kathy Auld said: ‘I would like to thank the North Harris Trust, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and local residents for working with us in the development of these plans. We will continue to work closely with them over the months ahead to deliver the long term benefits of our project for the local area, while minimising short term disruption as far as we can.’
Read more: Local News for Friday 15th March 2019
PENSION CREDIT CUT MAY MEAN NO COLD-WEATHER PAYMENTS
Low-income pensioners hit by cuts to Pension Credit could also lose access to other benefits, such as cold-weather payments, MSPs have been warned.
From 15 May, mixed-age couples – where one person is of state pension age and the other is younger – will no longer be able to claim Pension Credit, costing couples up to £140 per week, or £7,000 per year.
Age Scotland has told a Holyrood committee that Pension Credit is a “passporting benefit,” meaning that some couples who face losing out may not be able to claim other forms of assistance such as cold-weather payments, housing benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
Age Scotland also warned that those who have been hit by changes to the state pension age (WASPI) will also be negatively affected by these changes to Pension Credit, which are “likely to have a greater impact on women.”
Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said: “The impact of this Tory cut – which was conveniently sneaked out the back door on the evening of an important Brexit vote – is truly shocking.
“This cut is going to hit pensioners in need, a majority of whom are disabled – and it is staggering the knock-on impact could also see them lose access to cold-weather payments and other benefits.
“Evidence of Westminster’s failure on welfare grows every day. The Tories can’t keep sweeping the harmful effects of their welfare cuts under the rug.
“The UK Government must urgently reverse this attack on low-income pensioners.”
Read more: Local News for Thursday 14th March 2019
COMHAIRLE nan EILEAN SIAR WELCOME ADS EXTENTION
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed news that ADS (Air Discount Scheme) is to be extended and that students in the Islands with a main residence elsewhere will now qualify for the scheme.
Cllr Uisdean Robertson, Chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure, said:
“The Comhairle has long campaigned for an extension to ADS which would include those studying in the Islands but with their main residence elsewhere and I am delighted that the Scottish Government has listened to the case we have made. We have also asked that businesses be included under the scheme but so far this has not been accepted. Still, this is a very positive development in extending the scheme.”
The Air Discount Scheme (ADS), which provides eligible travellers with a discount of 50% on core air fares, has been renewed until 31 December 2020.
Students who are studying away from home and whose main residence is in an eligible area will continue to qualify for ADS.
Read more: Local News for Wednesday 13th March 2019
