Six island local authorities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, North Ayrshire, Orkney and Shetland – will share more than £800,000 to fund community-led projects which will help to safeguard island economies and address depopulation.

Cabinet secretary for islands Mairi Gougeon said: “We have worked closely with the local authorities, the Scottish Futures Trust and community groups to identify projects which support the needs and aspirations of our valued island communities.

“Scotland’s islands are home to vibrant communities and the Scottish Government is dedicated to championing local priorities and securing a sustainable future for these communities. This collaborative approach builds resilient economies that not only thrive today but generate income to reinvest locally for years to come.”

The projects are:

Argyll & Bute Council

• Reopening of the Luing Slate Quarry and Shore Works Project - Luing £20,000.00
• Tobermory Worker Accommodation Enabling Infrastructure Project - Mull £100,000.00
• Bowmore Hall - Islay £100,000.00
• Gigha Keill Road (Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust) - Gigha £25,000.00
• Gigha Multi-Purpose Games Area - Gigha £20,000.00

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

• Leverburgh Village Hall Regeneration Project - Harris £48,000.00
• Comunn Eachdraidh Nis - Lewis £95,230.00
• Scalpay Community Heritage Centre - Scalpay £80,000.00

Highland Council

• Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers Group Project - Skye £70,000.00

North Ayrshire Council

• Kildonan Hall - Arran £25,000.00
• Garrison House - Cumbrae £30,000.00
• The ‘Hush Hush’ Cumbrae Youth Forum Premises - Cumbrae £30,000.00

Orkney Islands Council

• Orkney Bike Track, Orkney Mainland £106,579.52
• Birsay Campsite - Orkney Mainland £18,000.00

Shetland Islands Council

• Scalloway Waterfront Regeneration - Shetland Mainland £20,000.00
• Shetland Home Co (COPE Ltd) Expansion - Shetland Mainland £17,800.00

Welcoming the funding, Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for economic development, housing, islands and communities, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “This funding is a fantastic boost for our islands and we’re delighted that Argyll and Bute has been chosen to benefit.

“These projects will make a real difference to our island communities by improving local facilities, protecting local heritage and helping our islands to thrive now and in the future.”

Highland Councillor John Finlayson, chair of the Isle of Skye Committee and Education chair, said: “I am delighted to see this funding approved for the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers (SLYC), a vital service which works closely with local schools and families and provides essential additional support to young people who in many cases may have substantial caring duties. Since it was established in 2000, the SYLC has assisted dozens of young carers and their families.

“Many of them might otherwise have been shouldering enormous levels of responsibility unknown and in silence. These young people who provide a caring role at home are a resilient and incredible group.

“They have had a long-held ambition to establish a permanent home for the group in Portree, and these funds will help them towards realising their goal of a new, safe, accessible, and fun space to call their own. The council, working with local members, has previously supported the group with Community Regeneration Funding and I am delighted that this latest financial support is contributing to the work of this vital service in Skye and Lochalsh.”