FUNDING BOOST FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS
The Aspiring Communities Fund, has allocated almost £617,000 to groups in the Outer Hebrides. The Fund which levers in European Social Funds, was launched by the Scottish Government in 2017, to help reduce poverty and enable inclusive growth, in disadvantaged and fragile communities across Scotland.
HIE has assisted community organisations in the Western Isles to apply to this recent round of funding, with six of the 11 new awards, coming to the area
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Scottish Government wants to create a fairer and more equal Scotland. We know that local communities understand best, where funding can make a difference in their own areas.
“The Aspiring Communities funding will support organisations to deliver tangible, innovative approaches to tackle poverty and inequality based on local need and priorities, many of which have been impacted by the non-health harms caused by Covid-19.”
The successful groups were An Lanntair, Stornoway Stepping Stones, Carloway Community Association Building Brighter Futures, Ceòlas Uibhist Ltd Crossing Over Integration, Garadh a Bhagh a Tuath Growing the Garadh, Pairc Playgroup Nursery Expansion and West Harris Trust Community Participation Project.
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 9th June 2020
COVID-19: ROUTE MAP FOR WESTERN ISLES PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, are planning public bus services for the next phase of easing out of lockdown,
The current phase allows bus operators, to control passenger numbers and keep physical distancing to acceptable levels. The current status allows for a small amount of easing of travel restrictions.
As there has been a small increase in the number of businesses returning to work, requests for access to work transport has been extended, where practicable to non-key workers. Initially, this is on the same basis as the bookable service provided for key workers and bus services still have limited coverage.
Phase 2 recommends that Public Transport services should move to operating increased services, but with capacity significantly limited to allow for physical distancing.
It is therefore considered, that the next step when moving to Phase 2, will be to allow increased access to public bus services, while maintaining control of passenger numbers. This would be achieved by extending the scope of the current booking system but also moving closer to a regular timetabled service.
As there will be more passengers travelling on these services, passengers will be asked to wear face coverings when using public transport due to the increased risk of close contact when travelling on a bus. Passengers will be expected to provide their own face coverings.
Operators will be asked to display prominent signage on buses making it clear that physical distancing should be maintained and that face coverings should be worn.
Although face coverings are yet not required by law, it is being promoted as a precautionary measure for the health and safety of passengers and staff.
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 8th June 2020
SNP MUST BACK SCOTTISH FISHERMEN IN EU NEGOTIATIONS
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron, is backing calls that the SNP Government, supports Scottish fishermen, against the EU demands for access to our waters.
Mr Cameron said: “Coastal communities around the Highlands and Islands will be dismayed by the response of the SNP to this issue. The party are aware the real blockage to progress, is the EU 27’s unreasonable demand, to access our fishing grounds as a precondition to further talks.
Mr Cameron is backing calls for ministers to support the fishing sector and enable a thriving industry and a coastal nation.
Read more: Isles FM News - Friday 5th June 2020
