This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Euro funding for Highlands and Islands
19/05/2006
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.
The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust campaign is one of 23 projects across the Highlands and Islands to benefit from a £2.5 million funding package.
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 diesel generators to power their homes.
The European money will help provide an affordable energy supply from a range of low-carbon renewable sources to more than 45 householders and businesses with the potential for further development of the island community.
Deputy Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Allan Wilson 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 to 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, involving employers to help develop specialist training opportunities and the provision of support from health professionals. Outreach workers will be based in communities to support 170 people
Full list of projects:
North Highland College - English Training for Migrant Families in the Highlands. £60,958
Shetland College - Bridges Project £49,428
Argyll College - Introduction to Youth VoluntaryWork £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
The 2000-2006 Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme will invest €300 million (£185 million) of European Funds in the region by December 2006. The funds are targeted on projects that contribute to the economic development of the area.
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.