Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been told it can channel coastal “windfall” cash to provide direct support to struggling island businesses and organisations.
£1.7 million was allocated to the council from the Scottish Crown Estate income from marine assets following its first year of devolved management.
The money was originally to be used for projects delivering coastal community benefit.
Any of the cash not yet allocated can be diverted to help to struggling coastal enterprises and third sector organisations under an agreement between Cosla -
In December, before the present crisis, councillors agreed on carving up the funding with £1.24 million earmarked for investment in community projects.
£100, 000 was put aside for the delivery of regional marine planning and Crown Estate asset management.
Another £360,000 would go to support the development of community partnership groups across the Western Isles.
Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “By widening the remit for the use of Scottish Crown Estate revenues we are enabling local authorities to directly support local coastal businesses, including third sector organisations, facing the full force of this economic shock.”
She said local authorities have been encouraged to look at ways they can use these funds, where required, “to help hard-
Steven Heddle of Cosla said: “This letter is a timely reminder that councils play a key role in supporting local businesses and their coastal communities, especially in these exceptionally challenging times, and that there is scope for funding from Crown Estate net revenues to contribute to this.”
Coastal funding on new course to aid struggling island businesses
13 April 2020