McCONNELL SIGNS UP TO WESTERN ISLES VISION FOR THE FUTURE

The First Minister, Jack McConnell, today signed up to the approach being taken by public sector agencies in the Western Isles to regenerate the Islands. Meeting with the Convener and senior representatives of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr McConnell discussed the ideas set out in the paper Creating Communities of the Future. This document jointly prepared by the Comhairle, HIE and WIE and endorsed by all the Community Planning Partners in the Western Isles and including the private and voluntary sectors outlines a vision of potential prosperity for the Western Isles

At a meeting held in the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar offices ahead of the Minister's opening of Sgoil nan Loch and new Stornoway Air Terminal, the Comhairle sought the Minister's support for the ideas set out in the joint document and an agreement to work together to achieve the vision. Convener Alex MacDonald said

"We had a very positive and constructive meeting with the First Minister. Obviously at this stage we are still dealing at a very strategic level. We are now working with our partners to work up more detailed proposals and ideas. It is very encouraging to have the First Minister's endorsement in principle and, more important, agreement to work with us to achieve the shared vision for our islands."

The First Minister agreed that a positive strategy was needed for the future of the islands and that Creating Communities of the Future was a visionary approach founded on partnership between the Comhairle and its Community Planning partners. The approach builds on the strengths and potential advantages of the islands, demonstrating good levels of co-operation, and sets out clearly the need for support and co-operation at all levels of government. The First Minister also agreed to work closely with the Comhairle, HIE, WIE and the other Community Planning partners to make progress on the ideas discussed today.

The Comhairle will now work with its Community Planning Partners, and especially the Enterprise Network to develop more detailed actions for discussion with Ministers and officials at Holyrood, Westminster and European level.

Contact Officer: Bill Howat, Chief Executive (01851 709500)

Notes for News Editors

1. The document 'Creating Communities of the Future' was published in February 2002 and is available on the Comhairle's internet site. Copies of the document are also available from the Chief Executive's Office (01851 709577)

2. Creating Communities of the Future sets out a vision to regenerate the economy of the Western Isles in a sustainable way. It was developed jointly by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, HIE and WIE, and endorsed by all the key public sector agencies in the Western Isles. It proposes actions on 6 key drivers that will stimulate economic activity and create up to 900 FTE jobs. The six drivers are:

Renewable Energy
Broadband
Gaelic Culture, Heritage and Broadcasting
Business Infrastructure
UHI - Millennium Institute
Jobs Dispersal

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk