Isle of Skye and Raasay Investment plan website and online survey now live

A new website and online survey have now ‘gone live’ to allow people in Skye and Raasay to air their views on future investment and what they see are the priorities for the area.

The Skye and Raasay Investment Plan webpage will be the focal point for people to get involved and share information gathered so far.

Representatives from key groups across Skye and Raasay met on 28 January 2021 to launch the process of preparing the new Investment Plan for the area.

That workshop was attended by over 60 people who are actively involved in delivering improvements in the area and was aimed at gathering initial views on the issues which needed to be addressed.

The website and online survey will help prepare for future engagement events that are scheduled to continue after the lockdown, including Community Councils and local interest groups.

The aim is to produce a Draft Investment Plan to the Skye and Raasay Area Committee in the spring.

People can visit the online survey at Skye and Raasay Investment Plan.

Chair of the Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee, Cllr John Gordon, said: “It is key that communities have as much engagement into this plan as possible, as this will shape Skye and Raasay for years to come and will also have the potential to release funding which is so needed across our two islands.

"The input so far has been positive with many stakeholders getting involved. The approach of everyone working together is working well and also important going forward. I want to encourage as many people as possible to have their say and to engage with this plan."

Eilean a' Cheò Cllr John Finlayson and Chair of the Highland Council’s Education Committee, said: “It is important we get as much feedback as possible as we look to move forward the Skye and Raasay Plan which includes so many ambitious projects, including school and early learning projects, which can only be realised through partnership working with key stakeholders and communities.”

Chair of the Gaelic Committee and Eilean a' Cheò Cllr Calum Munro, said: “The development of an investment and infrastructure plan for Skye and Raasay provides many opportunities for Gaelic language and cultural development.

“Gaelic is an integral part of the lives of many in this area. It has a large part to play in our aspirations for sustainable tourism and many of the economic and infrastructure outcomes of the plan will help us sustain our Gaelic communities through employment and housing.

“I’m delighted that Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig were represented at the initial stakeholders’ event and they have an important part to play in influencing the future of Gaelic in Skye and Raasay.”

For further information or to register interest in future events email Skye.raasay@highland.gov.uk