A new manager has been appointed to oversee delivery of the European-funded Community Economic Development (CED) programme, which is aimed at helping the most fragile communities in the Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) area.

Hilda McGonagall takes over from Claire Strain in managing the successful CED programme, which aims to encourage communities to take an active management role in their future by increasing enterprise within local communities and the value of environmental, cultural and heritage resources.

Previous CED projects have included the environmental improvements to Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay, the extension to the Mactaggart Community Cyber Café on Islay, and equipment and salary costs for the Bute Recycling Project.

As a senior client adviser with AIE, Hilda gained a wide range of experience within skills and community development, including support for events and festivals. Prior to joining AIE, she was employed by Argyll and Bute Council.

The Argyll and the Islands CED programme is a partnership of representatives from the voluntary and public sectors, which seeks to target funds for sustainable development activities undertaken by communities most in need of support.

One of the largest CED programme projects this year was the assistance given to Tobermory Harbour Association to install pontoons. The total cost of this project was almost £85,000, to which AIE contributed £24,500 and CED gave £27,900.

Morag Brown of Tobermory Harbour Association said the project which was completed in July, had made a considerable difference to the local community already.

She said: "This was a big project, and there is no way it could have been contemplated without the assistance from the CED programme and the match funding provided by AIE.

"The community recognise the social and economic benefits the upgrade of the pontoons will bring and have been very supportive of the project. The pontoons have made a considerable difference to the experience of visitors to Tobermory Harbour, who are now more likely to stay longer and spend more money in the town.

"The new pontoons are a lot more stable, so it is much safer for the children who sail here and easier for elderly people to get on and off their boats."

Commenting on her new post, Hilda said: "I am delighted to have been appointed manager of the CED programme and look forward to working closely with community groups throughout Argyll and the Islands. By matching other public funding pound for pound, the CED programme can help local communities to develop and implement their own local priorities".

The programme invites applications for assistance from applicants who can demonstrate that their project will provide economic benefit to the community. For further information or advice about applying for CED assistance, contact Hilda McGonagall on tel: 01546 605447