Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced that a combination of financial and non-financial support in the Outer Hebrides has helped it meet or exceed 18 of its 20 key targets for the 2024-25 financial year.

The agency's figures, which are subject to review by Audit Scotland, show that 31 projects received support, creating or retaining around 240 jobs with average salaries of £29,000.

HIE invested £5.7 million in the projects, which collectively accounted for £24.7 million of total investment in the area. Supported projects included a £150,000 grant for Macaulay College to build new teaching and welfare facilities, which will help it double its student numbers. A £767,091 grant was also awarded to Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) to redevelop the Calanais Stones visitor centre.

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Other significant projects included a £2.1 million grant for Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist to add a flexible auditorium to promote Gaelic language and culture. Funding was also provided for digital innovation, with a £170,000 grant to expand an augmented reality archaeology project by UHI North, West and Hebrides. Food and drink producers also received support, with The Wee Cottage Kitchen in North Uist receiving £21,500 and The Hebridean Mustard Company in Harris receiving £42,278.

HIE's area team leader for the Outer Hebrides, Kathleen Stewart, said the investments "reflect the energy and ambition of communities and businesses across the Outer Hebrides" and showcase the "innovation and resilience that will help strengthen local economies and enrich our communities for years to come."