The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Rebuilding the Western Isles

11/04/2005

First Minister Jack McConnell today announced government support for a new primary school to replace Balivanich School in Benbecula which was badly damaged by the 145 mph storms which ravaged the Western Isles earlier this year.

Mr McConnell confirmed that the Scottish government would contribute to the costs of building a new school to replace the existing 1970s prefab building.

And he confirmed that the government would provide financial support to ensure that key transport links, particularly the North Ford causeway and the breakwater at Ceann a Gharaidh were reinstated.

He was speaking during a visit to the Western Isles where he met with representatives of the local community and visited some of the areas, including the North and South Ford causeways, which were badly damaged during the storm.

He also met, privately, with members of the MacPherson family. Five members of the family, including Andrew, seven and five-year old Hannah, died during the storm.

Mr McConnell said: "The terrible impact of this savage storm will be felt on the islands for years to come, not least the terrible loss suffered by the McPherson family and their friends.

"The resilience of the communities, and their determination to rebuild their islands is an inspiration to us all. The process of recovery will take a long time, but the government will do everything it can to help repair the damage.

"The first priority is to build a new school at Balivanich, which is why I am pleased today to confirm that the government will contribute to the cost of a new building. We will work closely with the council to make sure that happens as soon as possible.

"And we also need to tackle long term challenges, particularly improving the transport infrastructure of the island so that it can withstand climate change. The Transport Minister will be making an announcement in due course about government support for these improvements."