Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved plans to be submitted to the UK government's Community Renewal Fund, for a total of £3 million to benefit 21 projects.

The UK Government launched two Funds in March 2021, the Community Renewal Fund (CRF) and the Levelling Up Fund (LUF). The CRF is a one year pilot for the Shared Prosperity Fund and is primarily (90%) revenue. Local Authorities have a lead role in terms of both Funds and as regards the CRF, bids of up to £3m are invited from Local Authorities, by 18 June 2021, with expenditure essential by 31 March 2022. It is anticipated that the UK Government will issue a consultation on the Shared Prosperity Fund later this year with a view to its launch in 2022.    

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A total of 21 bids were received for the CRF and the following bids were recommended for submission:

• Strategic Infrastructure Feasibility

• Outer Hebrides Heritage Resilience and Development

• Western Isles Employability and Skills Hub

• An Lanntair

• Port of Ness harbour Ltd

• Sealladh Hiort

• Harris Development Ltd - Leverburgh Marina

• Harris Development Ltd – West Loch Tarbert Regeneration

• Taigh Dhonnchaidh

• Calanais 2025

• Point and Sandwick Trust/Lews Castle College Innovation Centre

• Horshader Community Development

• Ionad Hiort

• Urras an Taigh Mhòir

Comhairle Leader, Roddie Mackay, said: "It is fantastic that we have managed to get these bids together in a short space of time and I would commend all those in communities across our islands who have worked to make this happen. I would also thank our officers who again, in a short space of time, have worked hard in pulling these submissions together."