SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed confirmation today from the Scottish Government Islands Team that remaining monies in the £4m Islands Business Resilience Fund will be made available to other islands on the West Coast. This follows funding being awarded to businesses in Uist, Arran and Colonsay.

Businesses in other islands which have been affected by repeated ferry disruption in recent months, including Barra and Vatersay in the Western Isles, will now be able to apply for the remaining available funding.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:

“I am pleased to see the rest of this money being made available to other island businesses which need some support to recover from the impact of recent ferry cancellations. While it was right that the fund first focussed on the areas which have been worst affected by cancellations this year, businesses in other parts of the network have also experienced significant challenges, given the reduced footfall as a result of ferry disruption.

“While Scottish Government support must be, and is, focussed on investing in improved ferries infrastructure and the completion of numerous new major and small vessels in the next few years, it is important that island businesses receive the support they need meantime where there has been significant disruption to services due to technical issues on existing vessels. I would urge any businesses in the hospitality and perishable goods sectors, and who therefore may be eligible for support, to apply as soon as possible via contacting HIE.”