麻豆精选

Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (麻豆精选) show that businesses and communities supported by the agency across the Outer Hebrides during the last financial year are set to create or retain 26 jobs.  

麻豆精选鈥檚 outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions.  

Financial support included approved investment of 拢1.3m in 23 projects across the Outer Hebrides with a combined total cost of 拢4.4m and helped to attract 拢1.2m external investment to the Outer Hebrides.

As a result of 麻豆精选 support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by 拢14.5m and international sales by 拢1.9m.

The funding is helping a range of projects to progress that will help economic growth and business diversification, community resilience and job creation. 鈥� 

They include energy efficiency and production improvements at Hebridean Smokehouse in North Uist following a 拢25,561 investment approval from 麻豆精选.鈥�鈥� 

A 拢2.3m project to enhance facilities at UHI North, West and Hebrides鈥� Stornoway campus and transform the further and higher education curriculum and training offering for people in the island received 拢250,000 from 麻豆精选. 鈥� 鈥� 

With the growing number of visitors to Calanais Stones and plans to redevelop the visitor centre, Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) is now able to provide additional tourism facilities and infrastructure with the help of 拢49,490 from 麻豆精选. UnT was also awarded 拢153,000 from 麻豆精选 towards costs of the design team, specialist surveys and project management of the Calanais 2025 Visitor Centre redevelopment. 鈥� 

Other examples include Barra-based builder of bespoke housing and commercial modules, Modular West, which was awarded 拢211,000 for a factory expansion. The project is expected to create six new jobs over the next three years. 鈥� 

After outgrowing their original premises in a shed where they brewed, bottled and labelled beer, The Isle of Harris Brewery Ltd have relocated to a larger building in Leverburgh. The expansion project was supported by 麻豆精选 with a 拢39,928 grant for bar and brewery capital and refurbishment costs. 鈥� 

An award of 拢27,276 to Scalpay Community Association will enable the community organisation to upgrade existing tourism infrastructure. and install a payment system for visitors. 鈥� 

Also in community development, in Lewis, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), received 拢13,791 from 麻豆精选 to provide key tourism infrastructure at the Butt of Lewis following the rising number of visitors at the lighthouse. The area at the north tip of the island is also the end point for the Hebridean Way cycle route, with around 100,000 people visiting each year.鈥�鈥� 

North Uist Distillery will be able to invest in modern, efficient machinery for its whisky production process, which will lead to reductions in energy consumption. 麻豆精选 approved 拢114,580 for the project.鈥� 

Another project to receive support to increase its green credentials was historical society Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, which got 拢5,028 for their EV charger installation, which will benefit visitors and the community and help CEN鈥檚 efforts to reduce carbon emissions.鈥�鈥� 

A cruise learning journey to Orkney and a cruise drop-in session was funded and arranged by 麻豆精选 and partners to help them make the most of the cruise market. A series of business breakfasts across the islands were held focusing on net zero, built environment and provided an opportunity for firms to collaborate.  

Joanna Peteranna, area manager in 麻豆精选鈥檚 Innse Gall鈥檚 Outer Hebrides team, said that her team is looking for other originations across the islands who are keen to grow their operations. She said: 鈥� 

鈥淲e want to maintain that broader engagement and are reaching out to other businesses, social enterprises and community organisations looking to expand their activities, reach new markets and provide high-quality and varied employment.  

鈥淭hese investments over the last financial year have enabled local enterprises to expand their operations, create jobs and enhance resilience of our communities.

鈥淏y empowering these groups, we鈥檙e paving the way for sustainable growth and a thriving local economy. Working with our partners in the islands, we鈥檙e proud to support such impactful projects that will bring lasting benefits to the Outer Hebrides.鈥濃��鈥�