Uist taskforce debated key projects

Cllr. Iain A. MacNeil, Chairman of the UET Working Group said after the meeting, “I was pleased to see good progress being made across a range of projects such as the Balivanich Regeneration project, Spaceport 1 and the Uist Virtual Archaeology Project. Housing remains a key priority and we are delighted to note that funding had been secured for a two year post for a Housing Development Officer for Uist and Barra to explore ways in which the demands for future housing can be addressed.

This activity ties in well with the appointment of a Community Development Officer for three years for the North Uist and Benbecula Locality Planning Partnership to refresh the action plan and update priorities, and the excellent news in recent days regarding £3m of funding from Scottish Government for the Cnoc Soilleir project.”

The meeting also heard updates from Stòras Uibhist and the newly formed Uist and Barra Community Energy Forum.

Of particular concern is the on-going situation regarding HIAL and the desperate situation regarding ferry services. Cllr MacNeil commented, “We’ve been encouraging as many people as possible the sign the petition to ‘Introduce community representation on boards of public organisations delivering lifeline services to island communities.’

“The removal of HIAL jobs from Uist is a disaster for our fragile community. I will be making further representation to the Scottish Government on this issue and our lifeline ferry services.”