New technologies thriving in Skye, Lochalsh and the Western Isles

The first three years of the LEADER+ programme in Skye, Lochalsh and the Western Isles have been a great success.  The programme runs from 2001 to 2006, with a £2.5 million budget to be invested in projects in these areas.

LEADER+ is a European Union programme which seeks to promote economic and community development within rural areas.  LEADER+ funds are aimed at taking a more innovative, pilot based approach to development.  The intention is to use new technologies and know-how to make products and services for rural areas more competitive.

The Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh (WISL) LEADER+ programme is being administered locally in Skye and Lochalsh and the Western Isles by the local enterprise companies - Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE) and Western Isles Enterprise (WIE).

The Local Action Group (LAG) forms a broad strategic grouping and is based on a 50/50 split between social/economic partners and public sector partners.  The LAG assists with pilot projects from local community groups and organisations.  Such projects as well as being new and innovative should demonstrate real benefits to the community economically, socially or environmentally.  Target groups include young people and women.  LEADER+ can also assist micro-businesses.

The LAG is particularly interested in projects involving interaction with other areas throughout the UK and Europe.  LEADER+ also aims to help improve the organisational abilities of communities.
 
Some projects recently assisted in Skye and Lochalsh, include the development of a hall management system and the development of a fencing club in Sleat.

In many of the areas covered by WISL the village hall is the hub of the community, offering a wide range of services, however the majority of the management of village halls is undertaken by unpaid volunteers and existing systems can be impractical and inefficient.

Shoreline Software Ltd has received assistance from LEADER+ and SALE to develop internet based software tailored to meet the requirements of venue management.  The online management system will allow community groups to manage bookings and online content, even those with little previous experience of working with computers.  The system is currently going through final checks before being available to community groups in Skye and Lochalsh and the Western Isles for a small fee.

Club Sgathaich was set up in August 2003 to promote the sport of fencing and general fitness in Sleat.  The club currently provides basic fencing training with limited equipment owned by individual members.

With the help of LEADER+ they will be able to purchase both modern electric and non-electric adult and youth equipment.  A member of the club has also been supported to attend a week long residential course at the British Academy of Fencing in Staffordshire to train as a fencing coach.

With few recreational activities on offer for children and young people in Sleat the club offers an unusual sport and is attracting a large number of members.  This helps tackle the social issues of obesity and lack of exercise while providing the opportunity to compete in a sport played nationally.

Claire Hannah, LEADER+ field officer for SALE, said: "LEADER+ can be of great benefit to many groups, we have been very impressed by the number and variety of projects assisted so far.  I would encourage groups and individuals to come forward with any project ideas which fit the LEADER+ theme."

A couple of projects in the Western Isles that have been assisted recently are the Newmarket Gateway Project and Cothrom's 'Family Learning' programme.

The Newmarket Gateway team have been working with a Beechgrove Garden designer on a project to create an accessible, natural environment beside the Blackwater River, where both young and old, disabled and able bodied people can gain access to the natural environment.

LEADER+ and WIE have given funding to help the Gateway team create this area to enhance the environment and to assist the social communities of Blackwater and Newmarket.

As well as creating greater biodiversity it will be an educational and recreational tool, introducing children to the types of flora and fauna that live in their environment.

Cothrom is a community based training provider located in South Uist.  They have received assistance from LEADER+ and WIE to fund a 'Family Learning' programme.

Research shows children who have experience of reading and writing prior to entering primary school progress at a faster level than those with no experience.  So the role of parents is very important to ensure their children are exposed to reading and other educational experiences pre-school.

The 'Family Learning' programme works with adults to enhance the skills and confidence of parents so they can improve the support they can give to their children, stopping the cycle of poor literacy within a family.

Rona Macleod, co-ordinator of the LEADER+ programme, based in the Western Isles said: "These projects are great examples of the wide range of developments we can assist throughout the Western Isles and Skye and Lochalsh.

"We are really pleased with the way our projects have been able to network with one and other and have been able to learn methods of best practice from different areas within the LEADER+ programme."

More information on the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh LEADER+ programme can be found at www.wisl.org.uk or by contacting Claire Hannah at SALE on 01478 612841 or Rona Macleod on 01851 703703.