Green light for £250K of improvements

The funding will be invested in a series of small-scale but important projects, which add up to a significant suite of improvements, opening the way for future regeneration opportunity.

The project will look to improve the aesthetics of Balivanich, prioritise road safety for pedestrians, provide better walking path links, improve street lighting as well as helping to fund many other small-scale community led projects.

These projects have been developed following extensive community consultation and carry the support of groups including Benbecula Community Council and the North Uist and Benbecula Locality Planning Partnership.

Rona Mackay, Chair of the Benbecula Community Council said: “We are very happy that the list of projects for Balivanich has got the green light. This is great news in terms of improving safety and access in and around the village, with a mix of practical and aesthetic changes.

“Thank you to the North Uist and Benbecula Locality Planning Partnership and the Comhairle for making the community’s aspirations possible!”

Councillor Donald Crichton, Chair of Sustainable Development said: “The purpose of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund is to encourage town centres to diversify and flourish, I am confident that with the proposed projects and the continued hard work of everyone involved that this can be achieved in Balivanich.”