The Process of Developing the Local Strategy/Action Plan

3  THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE LOCAL STRATEGY/ACTION PLAN

3.1  W S Atkins were commissioned to assist the local partners prepare this Strategy. They were asked to undertake a document review and a series of interviews to set out the aims, objectives and priorities of the main public sector and voluntary bodies operating in the area. Then, through a series of workshop type meetings with the clients and other local stakeholders, they were able to draw together these objectives into a common strategy for the area including a priority list of projects and actions. These projects and actions will fit well with the aims of the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme.

3.2  The starting point for this exercise was to use existing, available information to prepare a socio economic profile of Skye and Lochalsh with a broad indication of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The key points emerging from this profile are:-

  • This has been one of the fastest growing areas of the Highlands and Islands since the mid 1980's with a population increase of 15%.
  • Tourism is a major economic activity and Skye is a world famous brand name in Scottish Tourism. However, this brings with it strong seasonality in employment and lower pay structures. Economic diversification must be pursued.
  • The area also has a strong cultural base and the development of Sabhal Mor Ostaig and the Gaelic language activities is making Skye one of the foremost cultural centres in the Highlands. This is key building block for the future.
  • Population growth is putting stress on basic infrastructure networks which now require capacity improvement.
  • Parts of the area continue to be economically fragile with poor infrastructure and reliance on declining primary sectors and these areas need special targeted action.

3.3  Interviews and documents reviewed are listed in Appendix I. Over 70 strategic objectives and projects emerged from this process and are attached at Appendix II. We have grouped these together into broad strategic aims for Skye and Lochalsh which cover: -

  • Diversifying the local economic base to broaden employment opportunities.
  • Sustaining the primary sector which is such an important source of income in the rural communities of the area and particularly supporting low intensity/organic agricultural production.
  • Enhancing IT to maximise potential for e-commerce.
  • Integrating transport and modernising its infrastructure.
  • Building up tourism infrastructure and skill base to ensure that Skye and Lochalsh retains its "brand" position.
  • Developing the training network with better outreach facilities and a targeted adult skills guidance strategy.
  • Addressing social exclusion, community care, affordable housing and targeting disadvantaged communities.
  • Sustaining and protecting the natural environment and ensuring that the principles of sustainability underpin all economic development actions.

3.4  Throughout the preparation of the Strategy regular meetings were held with stakeholders and local Members of the Highland Council and HIE Skye and Wester Ross. They agreed a number of general issues regarding economic development in Skye and Lochalsh and key projects were identified. Responsibilities were allocated to local partners for taking projects forward. The main priorities and Actions are summarised in Appendix III.

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