Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Vice-Convener Angus Campbell has welcomed the news that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been given approval in principle to proceed with proposals for five coast protection schemes:

“The news that the Scottish Executive has accepted the investment appraisals for five of our six schemes is welcomed and much appreciated.  This allows us to proceed to the next stage in the process where advertisements are placed and licences are obtained as per the statutory guidance.  In parallel with this process we will work with project stakeholders in an attempt to secure the outstanding 20% funding required to match the 80% we are confident of securing from the Executive.” 

If it goes ahead, the £6million of investment in coastal defences will be one of the largest ever single investments in coast protection works in the Outer Hebrides.  All of the projects are located on the west coast of the islands and will bring immense benefit to communities exposed to the full brunt of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, the Vice-Convener expressed regret at the news that the £340,000 Gualan Island project application had been unsuccessful: 

“The news that the Gualan Island project did not meet the Scottish Executive’s Coast Protection Act investment criteria is disappointing.  However, the Scottish Executive appears to accept the need for further studies in and around Gualan Island and we would hope to be able to work with them to facilitate these studies.”

He added:

“Whilst this project may not be an exact fit with Coast Protection Act criteria we feel it’s an enormously important project for the local community, which has been extremely patient and helpful throughout the application process.  Although coast protection is ultimately the responsibility of landowners we are committed to working with all stakeholders to foster a solution.” 

Background Information

In March and April 2006 the Comhairle submitted six applications to the Scottish Executive for funding available via the Coast Protection Act 1949 and the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961.  The projects cover the six schemes listed below:

 

Location	Description	Estimated Cost
Balivanich	Rock armour structure; length 350m.	£1,400k
Craigston	Composite rock armour seawall and anti-erosion mattress	£1,100k
Gualan Island	Beach Management.	£340k
Ludag Road	Rock armour structures to five locations; total length 1,150m.	£2,600k
Pol na Crann	Beach Management.	£400k
Stoneybridge	Rock barrier structure.	£500k
TOTAL COST		£6,340k

 

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