The Vision

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Corporate Strategy sets out the Comhairle’s vision for the future of the Western Isles and the communities it serves. It gives the Comhairle’s strategic themes for the coming four years and provides a framework in which Comhairle services will be developed and provided. The Corporate Strategy also shows how the Comhairle will contribute to the achievement of the Western Isles Community Plan by working with our partners and ensuring we work towards the shared priorities for the sustainable development of the islands.

The Aims

• Create a diverse economy where everyone has the opportunity to undertake satisfying work
• Listen and respond to the community
• Display the highest standards of integrity in public life
• Develop staff who are highly motivated and skilled
• Work in partnership and build on the cultural and social strengths of the community
• Give priority to economic development
• Promote the Gaelic language
• Respect all religious traditions
• Promote all aspects of our heritage and culture
• Provide leadership for the islands
• Promote the distinctive identity of Na h-Eileanan an Iar

In achieving these aims the Comhairle is committed to working in partnership through Community Planning. The Western Isles Community Plan has been approved by over 20 organisations in the private, public, voluntary and community sector. Its guiding principle is:

'The creation of a prosperous and healthy community based on the principle of sustainable development through respect for the natural environment and the cultural traditions of the Western Isles.’

The Plan

The Community Plan identifies 4 priorities for action:

The Economy

Through working in partnership we will strive to create a sustainable diverse economy where everybody has the opportunity to undertake satisfying work.

Key Drivers

• Renewable Energy Innovation
• Broadband Capability
• Gaelic Heritage and Cultural Development
• Business Infrastructure
• UHI Millennium Institute
• Jobs Dispersal

Community Well Being

To achieve the best possible health and well being for everyone in the Western Isles.

Key Drivers

• Action Against Poverty
• Health Improvement
• Community Safety
• Equal Access to and Uptake of Services
• Confident Individuals and Communities

Culture and Heritage

To preserve, enhance and promote the culture and heritage of the Islands and ensure that opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation are readily available to all.

Lifelong Learning

To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential through community participation and learning.

The Comhairle is already achieving much of what has been set out in the Corporate Strategy. Through Community Planning we have achieved some notable successes listed elsewhere in this Report. We can be proud of these achievements but there is much to be done. The Comhairle, working with its partners, will strive to build on these successes and meet its commitments to the communities of the Western Isles.