An influential group of MEPs have been seeing for themselves the benefits brought to the Western Isles by European funding.

Members of the European Parliament's Regional Development Committee (RDC) arrived on the islands yesterday (Thursday 17 March) to visit a range of projects funded by the EU.

The visit is part of a process which will ultimately help determine the allocation of EU development funding from 2007 to 2013.

During the two-day trip, hosted by Highlands and Islands of Scotland European Partnership (HIEP), the MEPs visited projects in Lewis, Harris and Uist, including UHI Millennium Institute at Lews Castle College, Arnish Point Industrial Estate, Scalpay Bridge and Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Network Data Centre in  Benbecula.

The Western Isles visit was the final leg of a four-day tour of EU-funded projects in Scotland. Earlier in the week the committee members visited Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries, Midlothian and the Borders.

With the expansion of the EU from 15 to 25 member states, the Highlands and Islands face markedly increased competition in seeking continuing funding at the level that in the past has contributed to significant infrastructure developments across the region.
The RDC is currently gathering information to inform the European Parliament's response to proposals being developed by the Council of Ministers on how funding is allocated after 2006.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar hosted the committee's visit to the Western Isles.
Alex MacDonald, convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: "I am delighted to welcome this important delegation to the Western Isles to see at first hand some of the projects that have benefited from European funding. Although there have been many success stories in the Highlands and Islands, the continuation of financial support post 2006 for areas such as the Western Isles is vital if we are not to lose the momentum generated towards economic development.

"The Western Isles remain one of the most deprived areas in Scotland and in the Highlands and Islands, with a lower GDP, high unemployment and the decline of traditional industries. Population decline remains a major threat and continued European funding is a vital part of the fight to reverse this trend.

"Development of infrastructure is a key economic driver as identified in Creating Communities of the Future by the Comhairle and its Community Planning partners. The Western Isles have much to contribute but require continued support and commitment at national and European level to realise the potential of the Islands and their communities."

Sandy Cumming, chief executive of HIE, said: "The benefits of European funding can be seen throughout the Highlands and Islands and include the mobile telecommunications network, the upgrading of ports and airports, the building of bridges, causeways and roads and the development of schemes for small businesses.

"It is vital that we continue to receive EU funding after 2006 at a level which allows us to consolidate and build on what has already been achieved. Without it, the investment already made is wasted and the opportunities for it to generate extra economic activity, as it has done in the past, are lost."

Dennis Malone, chief executive of the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme (HIPP), which administers European funding in the area, said: "Since 1994, over £400million of structural funds support has been invested across the Highlands and Islands. The programme is targeted at the region's most remote and fragile areas and many small communities are now able to access opportunities not previously available.

"A further funding programme will allow investment in learning and technology which will help to deliver long-term sustainability across the area."