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23 projects
across the Highlands and Islands to benefit from a £25 million funding
package.
European funding will help provide an affordable
energy supply from a range of renewable sources to householders and
businesses.
 A
project to provide householders on a remote Hebridean island with a reliable
round-the-clock ‘green’ energy supply has been backed by £750,000 European
funding, it was announced today.
Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson revealed that
the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust campaign is one of 23 projects across the
Highlands and Islands to benefit from a £25 million funding package.
The Isle of Eigg is one of the few remaining communities in the UK not
connected to the National Grid, and residents have for years had to use
expensive diesel generators to power their homes. Mr Wilson said that
European funding will help provide an affordable energy supply from a range
of renewable sources to more than …. householders and businesses.
The Minister said:
“This is yet another exciting round of European funding that will support
cutting-edge projects across the Highlands and Islands. This money will
provide jobs and facilities for several different communities.
“The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust project is a particularly worthwhile one,
and will see the island harness the benefits of wind, hydro and solar power
to provide a reliable energy supply.
“We are all aware that renewable energy has a vital role to play in
combating climate change and ensuring a secure power supply for years to
come.
“By recognising the benefits that renewable energy can offer, the Trust will
not only help us to achieve our ambitious renewable energy targets but will
also make the island more attractive for new settlers.”
Ian Leaver, from the Eigg Heritage Trust, said:
“The electrification of Eigg is the single most important project to date
for the islands and is crucial to its continuing social and economic
development.
“With rising fuel prices and carbon emissions, reduction of the island’s
dependency on diesel is essential.
“The substantial funding received from Structural Funds will help make the
project a reality. We can now look forward to a secure, sustainable future
with electricity provided for everyone from predominantly renewable
sources.”
Other projects supported during this latest funding round include:
• Forestry Commission Scotland – will receive £150,925 for its Forestry
Apprenticeship Scheme. This will enable the creation of 11 apprenticeship
posts, covering areas such as safe use of machinery and first aid.
• Jobcentre Plus – will use funding of £238,052 for its ‘Unlock Your
Potential’ programme to help those on Incapacity Benefit back into work.
This will involve working with employers to develop specialist training
opportunities and the provision of support from health professionals.
Outreach workers will be based in communities to support 170 people.
NOTES:
1. Full list of projects is below.
Project £s
North Highland College – English Training for
Migrant Families in the Highlands. 60,958
Shetland College – Bridges Project 49,428
Argyll College – Introduction to Youth Voluntary
Work 17,634
Jobcentre Plus – Unlock Your Potential 238,052
Locahaber College – Core Skills for the Outdoor
Capital of the UK 68,799
The Speyside Trust – ‘Same As You’ programme 22,650
Voluntary Action Lochaber 29,500
Highland Council – T2E Transport to Employment 62,505
North Highland College – Access to Employment
In the Wick area 36,882
Forestry Commission Scotland – Forestry
Apprenticeship Scheme 150,925
Highlands & Islands Enterprise – Hospitality Assured 159,825
Scottish Agricultural College – Developing the Rural
Workforce 137,339
Lochaber Enterprise - Management Development 58,500
STUC – Highlands & Islands – BSL Project 21,690
Scottish Executive – Meeting the Challenge 172,727
North Highland College – Developing Project
Management Skills 29,358
Argyll College – Performing Arts Training 48,432
North Highland College – SVQ Level II Scaffolding 27,380
Maintenance & Restoration 44,838
Lochaber College – Paths Skills Programme 92,586
Future Chefs 45,200
Advanced Progression Routes 47,590
Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust 750,000
Argyll & Bute Council – Island Landfill Sites 158,515
2. The 2000-2006 Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme will
invest xxxx of European Funds in the region by December 2006. The funds are
targeted on …………….
3. European Funds consist of two main kinds of investment. The European
Regional Development Fund provides assistance for people to start or grow
businesses; to develop sites and premises for businesses; to upgrade tourism
facilities; and to support community economic development. The European
Social Fund supports training for people working in the region or looking
for jobs. It is intended in particular to help people who are long term
unemployed; young job seekers; and those excluded from the labour market.
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