Strategic Framework Business Fund

Level 3 Islands (Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and Raasay)

While all of mainland Highland along with the Isle of Skye are subject to Level 4 restrictions under the Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework system many other islands including Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and Raasay are classed as Level 3.

In these circumstances, most businesses are not obliged to close and so would not be eligible for the Strategic Framework closure fund. However, we have been in contact with the Scottish Government in relation to this. In particular we have emphasised the fact that restricted access to the islands mean that these businesses face constraints that essentially have the same impact as closure would and so access to support would be justified.

While the details have still to be finalised with the Scottish Government, a different support mechanism is therefore now anticipated.

Businesses on these 5 islands are therefore requested not to apply to the closure fund but instead we will contact those businesses directly regarding the support that may be available to them. The precise timing of this will depend on when details are made available but we hope to contact all affected businesses in the second half of January.