Meet the funders at Outer Hebrides events

A series of 'Meet the Funder' roadshows are taking place throughout the Outer Hebrides this February.

The events mark the launch of the Outer Hebrides LEADER and European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 Programmes and have been organised by the Outer Hebrides LEADER and EMFF Local Action Groups in cooperation with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Regeneration Team.

With events taking place in Stornoway, Tarbert, Balivanich and Castlebay community groups and businesses will get the opportunity to meet with various funding bodies who may be able to help with developing their projects by providing useful advice on needs and any potential financial assistance.

The Outer Hebrides LEADER 2014-2020 Programme will provide support to community enterprises, groups and businesses to develop innovative community-led projects and developments.

The Outer Hebrides LEADER Co-ordinator, Kathlene Morrison, said:

 "LEADER has previously supported many innovative projects throughout the islands and encourages all groups and businesses who have an idea to come along to their local event."

The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) was launched recently covering a number of areas which will support the delivery of sustainable economic growth in the sea fisheries and aquaculture sectors and supports communities to deliver economic benefits. Support is available across a number of different areas including fishing vessel energy improvements, investments on board fishing vessels, investments to shore based facilities, aquaculture, processing and marketing. Pete Middleton, Outer Hebrides EMFF Officer said that, "This roadshow gives fishing communities a great chance to find out more about these funding opportunities."

The Comhairle’s Chair of Sustainable Development Committee, Cllr Alasdair MacLeod, said: "The Comhairle’s Regeneration Team will be attending each ‘Meet the Funder’ event and they have supported a total of 21 community economic development projects so far from the Community Capital Grant Fund levering in £8.40 of external funding for every £1 of Comhairle funding."

The Big Lottery Fund, Business Gateway, Scottish Natural Heritage, Western Isles Development Trust are just a few of the organisations that will join LEADER, EMFF and the Comhairle’s Regeneration team on each day and Storas Uibhist will also be present at the Balivanich event.  All events will run from 1pm-7.30pm in the following locations:

• Tuesday 16 February -  Lews Castle Museum Community Room, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
• Wednesday 17 February - Balivanich Community Centre, Isle of Benbecula
• Thursday 18 February - Castlebay Community Centre, Isle of Barra
• Tuesday 23 February - Tarbert Community Centre, Isle of Harris          

For further information on the events please do not hesitate to contact either Kathlene Morrison Outer Hebrides LEADER Co-ordinator or David MacLeay, Senior Regeneration Officer on 0845 6007090.