The commitment of Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) to assist the development of quality accommodation meeting the needs of visitors to the islands has been underlined by two major projects in North Uist.

One will see a new small four star hotel, with an environmentally friendly design, built in Lochmaddy.

The other will see an extension of the well-established Langass Lodge hotel. 

Between them, the projects are receiving £433,000 investment from WIE, demonstrating the local enterprise company's continuing focus on supporting growth in tourist facilities in areas where there is under-provision, developing niche markets, driving up quality, encouraging new investment and creating employment opportunities.

The developments, which have attracted £153,500 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), are expected to lead to the creation of more than 12 full time equivalent jobs.

Members of a local Lochmaddy family, Iain, Norman and Roddy Macleod, have formed a company, Hebridean Hotels Limited, to develop the new hotel in the village.  They have received a package of assistance totalling £233,000 from WIE, including £75,500 from the ERDF, towards total project costs of £655,000.

Work began on the site last week and is due for completion next year.  The owners have been very closely involved in the design of the new building which will have an environmentally friendly wooden structure. 

Iain Macleod from Hebridean Hotels Limited said: "With the new hotel expected to be completed in July 2005 we will start our recruitment campaign early in the new year.  Already a number of people have approached us to offer their services which is very encouraging."

The four star hotel, expected to employ nine full time equivalent jobs, will have eight twin/double rooms and the restaurant will have seating capacity for 50 people.  A health and fitness suite with sauna will be open to non residents as well as residents.

The expansion at Langass Lodge, currently a small six bedroom hotel will include the construction of a new wing providing six additional high quality en-suite letting rooms.  The project cost is £650,000 and is being supported with the help of a £200,000 funding package from WIE, including £78,000 from the ERDF.  Work is due to start in February 2005.

Amanda Leveson Gower co owner of Langass Lodge Hotel said: "At Langass Lodge we are creating a destination for lovers of the flora and fauna, culture, and food of the Western Isles.  In our unique and secluded setting, we are hoping to provide an unrivalled standard of comfort, service and fine dining, whilst maintaining our strong commitment to the environment and local producers.  We are building for the strong future of tourism in the islands."

Donnie Macaulay, chief executive of WIE said: "These projects are very much in line with our aim of continuing to develop the tourism industry in the Western Isles, raising the quality of accommodation offered and responding to market demand and the increasingly sophisticated needs of visitors to the islands.  At the same time such developments bring welcome new employment opportunities to communities."

"WIE is able to assist businesses in a variety of ways from start-up support in terms of financial backing and valuable business advice to other grants to help those businesses grow and develop."