Creating vibrant, confident communities where opportunity and infrastructure are matched by quality of life and excellent local services is fundamental to the regeneration of the Western Isles economy. Launched in 2002, Creating Communities of the Future is the Comhairle’s response to the need for regeneration. A blueprint for action and investment, this strategy provides the context for community-based development in key sectors of the economy.

Key Achievements

• Following extensive consultation, CnES approved the Western Isles Woodland Strategy and secured funding of £600,000 from the Scottish Executive and Forestry Commission Scotland to implement a Locational Premium Scheme. In partnership with the Forestry Commission, a post of Woodland Project Officer was created to promote the scheme and the educational, vocational and community benefits of woodland management.
• The Western Isles Development Plan was updated following the approval of the Western Isles Structure Plan in December 2003 and the adoption of the Broadbay Local Plan in May 2003.
• Working with Harris Development Ltd., CnES supported efforts to prepare for an archaeological survey of three important sites in Harris. The aim of the survey was to uncover a potential commercial resource for Harris and to ensure that developmental control was placed in the hands of the local community.
• In partnership with local agencies including Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, the Comhairle made an application for Lottery funding for the Dun Eisdean Project. The project will combine a survey and excavation of the ancient Morrison stronghold in Ness with the collation of oral history connected to the area.

Looking Ahead

The Western Isles Community Planning Partnership will continue to meet the challenges of regeneration through the implementation of Creating Communities of the Future. A vital tool in this process is broadband technology. The Connected Communities project, alongside other national broadband initiatives, aims to establish an exemplary rural broadband network offering significant opportunities for distance working and jobs dispersal.

Rich in natural resources and equipped with a strong education and skills base, the Western Isles has the potential to become both a major supplier of renewable and alternative energy and an internationally significant centre for innovation and excellence in the development of these technologies. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will continue to promote the Western Isles as an Energy Innovation Zone and will work towards securing an improved connection to the national grid to facilitate energy transfer. Maximising the benefits to communities and local business is a prime concern.

Following a successful partnership bid for funding led by CnES, an investigation is underway into the potential benefits of setting up a Credit Union for the Western Isles. An inter-agency Steering Group will oversee the consultation process and work towards the development of a Western Isles Credit Union Business Plan.