It is with a degree of pride and satisfaction that I introduce this Annual Report of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s work in 2001/02. This has been a year of real progress and achievement for the Comhairle and heralds, I believe, a sea change in the economic fortunes of the islands.

New improvements have revised the committee system, delegating more of the fine-detail duties of government to the Comhairle’s officers and so allowing members more time for strategic planning - an area that needs much attention if we are to grasp the opportunities ahead. The SoLACE/CiPFA guidelines of Corporate Governance have been adopted by the Comhairle and a new Committee of Standards and Scrutiny has been established to ensure we observe its tenets.

The new Commercial Operations Board has helped contribute to the steady recovery within the Technical Services division. Despite serious financial pressures and a major restructuring programme, job losses have been kept to an absolute minimum. The Comhairle’s DLO/DSOs play a vital role in our operation and under a new regime of organic growth, we are confident they will be back on track to a clean bill of financial health by 2003/2004.

The newly established department for Sustainable Communities has been working towards the future economic and cultural prosperity of the islands. Plans for the introduction of broadband technology, the expansion of the UHI Millennium Institute and the growth of Gaelic culture all raise the promise of new jobs. Perhaps the biggest area of potential growth is within the alternative energy market. Projects such as the Energy Innovation Zone and The Western Isles Alternative & Renewable Energy Partnership will not only help establish the islands as a European Capital of green technology but will bring real economic benefits in terms of jobs.

We at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will be working in close partnership with central government, public bodies and community groups to ensure our huge potential - in both natural and human resources - is utilised to the maximum benefit of all the people of the Western Isles.

Alex MacDonald, Convener
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Abbreviations used in this report

From top to bottom:

Stornoway.

Calum MacEachan enjoying the pool at Grianan Day Centre.

Sustainable Development offices.

Calum O’Toole, horticultural worker at the Cearns Community Development Project.

Sgoil nan Loch opened its doors to the children of Lochs in August 2001.