At a meeting held in Benbecula on 22nd October, the Western Isles Credit Union Steering Group agreed a schedule of community liaison and awareness raising meetings.

The meetings will be held throughout the Western Isles in November and December, with the purpose of informing the community of the positive prospects for the establishment of a credit union in the Western Isles. The meetings will raise awareness as to the credit union concept and aim to encourage individuals to participate in the proposed credit union.

The meetings will complement a range of other awareness raising activities, such as information leaflets and the forthcoming credit union website.

Raising community awareness is the first step in developing a Western Isles credit union. Over the coming months, a range of important tasks will be undertaken. These include developing membership, agreeing on a common bond, seeking pledges and putting in place a formal constitution and business plan.

Chairman of the Credit Union Steering Group, Councillor Archie Campbell said:
“There are a number of crucial tasks that require to be undertaken to allow the formation of a credit union. Before tackling these tasks however, the Steering Group believes that it is of the utmost importance to speak to the community, both to gauge interest and to allow us to understand how the community wishes to go forward with the project”

Councillor Campbell added:
“The views of the community will be essential to the development of the project. I would therefore urge everyone who can, to come to the meetings to hear abut the proposals and what a credit union can offer. The credit union is an exciting project but it us also the type of venture that requires community participation and involvement.”

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk