Skye and Raasay investment plan
Representatives from key groups across Skye and Raasay joined together in an online workshop yesterday evening (28 January 2021) to launch the process of preparing a new Investment Plan for the area.
The workshop, which was attended by over 60 people that are actively involved in delivering improvements in the area, was aimed at gathering initial views on the issues and areas that need to be tackled.
Councillor John Gordon, Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, said: “I’m really grateful for the great participation and the views shared. We heard about some of the issues that people feel most strongly about and the impact that investments will need to have. It’s clear that there is a strong desire to continue to provide much needed homes, diversify jobs and improve connectivity while also addressing the climate emergency. There was also recognition of the importance of Gaelic culture and the strong community network that exists. I was struck by the willingness of partners to work together in delivering improvements that would address these priorities. The event has initiated a genuinely collaborative approach to preparing and delivering this plan and we look forward to engaging more widely.”
Alongside the initial engagement event a website is being set up www.highland.gov.uk/skyeraasay (not yet live) where people will soon be able to provide feedback on their priorities for the area. This will be used to help prepare for future engagement events that are scheduled to continue after the lockdown, including Community Councils and local interest groups. With this collaborative approach it is intended to take a Draft Investment Plan to the Area Committee in Spring.
In the meantime, The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who are jointly organising the events, will be reaching out to others and hope to announce further in the coming weeks.
For further information or to register an interest in future events please email: Skye.raasay@highland.gov.uk