First Minister John Swinney has announced new funding for critical infrastructure projects that will benefit Scotland’s island communities. Ten projects have been awarded a share of the Scottish Government’s £3 million 2024/25 Islands Programme Fund.

Among the projects receiving funding are the ongoing rebuild of The Fair Isle Bird Observatory, which is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2025, and the construction of two new airfield terminal buildings on Eday and Westray in the Orkney islands.

Since its launch three years ago, the Islands Programme has supported over 71 locally-led projects on 51 islands. The program aims to help implement the strategic objectives of the National Islands Plan.

During a visit to COPE Ltd in Lerwick, Shetland, First Minister Swinney highlighted the positive impact of the Islands Programme on local communities. COPE Ltd is a re-use centre that provides employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The project received £653,000 of Islands Programme funding last year to expand its premises and create more placement opportunities.

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The First Minister said: "Our island communities face unique challenges, but also have the potential – and ambition – to capitalise on the skills, innovation and natural assets they hold in abundance in order to secure a vibrant, prosperous future.

"The Scottish Government has a clear role to play in working closely with our local authority and other key partners to support and build resilience, prosperity and the long-term sustainability of our island communities.

"I was pleased to meet staff at COPE Ltd to find out more about this incredible project in Lerwick, and how Islands Programme funding has helped it to grow. I have no doubt that projects awarded funding this year will make a similar positive impact across communities."

Chief Executive Officer of COPE Ltd Steven Coutts said: "Our funding will allow us to build a significant extension to our premises and take all our activity indoors. This will make a major difference to the working environment for our staff and participants.

"We will be able to streamline processes and increase retail space and ensure more of the donated goods we receive are re-used in the Shetland community - all the while ensuring we continue to positively promote opportunity and inclusion in our community."