Island communities in the Highlands are to benefit from more than £900,000 in support from the Scottish Government's Islands Programme 2026/27, after The Highland Council secured funding for four community-led schemes on Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles.

The awards will go to the Gaeltec community hub in Dunvegan (£393,000); the Kinloch village road and track improvement programme on Rum (£355,112); an expansion of camping pods on Eigg (£87,602); and contractor accommodation on Canna (£76,000).

Councillor Kate Willis, Chair of the Lochaber committee which covers Eigg, Rum and Canna, said: "I am delighted to see these funds going right to the heart of the challenges our island communities are facing.

"They will be used to provide much needed accommodation for workers, to support sustainable community-led development and to enhance the basic infrastructure that island populations need to thrive and grow into the future.

"It is the people who live and work on our islands who are driving the projects, and I am looking forward to seeing the developments take shape and the positive benefits they will bring to the lives of islanders."

Councillor John Finlayson, chair of Highland Council's Eilean a' Cheo committee, said: "I was delighted to hear the very positive news regarding the Islands' Programme Award for the Gaeltec Community Hub in Dunvegan. Having worked with the Dunvegan Community Trust in recent times to support their activities and move forward this exciting project, I know how important this award will be in supporting the ambitions the community have for the building and the many opportunities it will provide for people of all ages.

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"The development of this project again shows what can be achieved when the Scottish Government, The Highland Council and the local community work in partnership to achieve shared goals."

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Congratulations to all who have helped drive through these community projects that will help support key ambitions for population growth and economic development in our islands.

"The social and economic benefits that come from better infrastructure, housing and new facilities for locals and visitors will be vital to help island communities to grow and flourish into the future."

On Canna, the contractor accommodation project (£76,000) will deliver community-owned lodging for contractors and workers. It is intended as a semi-permanent answer to the long-standing shortage of places to stay for those undertaking construction and development on the island. Between major contracts, the facility would also host visiting consultants, tradespeople, short-term contractors and temporary staff.

In Dunvegan, the Gaeltec Community Hub (£393,000) will refurbish and link two existing buildings to create a multi-purpose centre with a childcare area, arts and crafts workshops and a gym. Small rentable units and a co-working space will support local enterprises and remote workers, while the current business tenant will benefit from an upgraded workshop, turning the site into a vibrant focal point with social, wellbeing and economic gains.

On Eigg, the camping pods expansion (£87,602) at Galmisdale, near the ferry terminal, will provide two all-season pods built by an on-island contractor, five serviced pitches, and essential utilities and access works, including water, electricity, wastewater connections, landscaping and improved access. Additional visitor capacity is seen as crucial, with current limitations constraining the island's economy and affecting businesses such as the shop, café, ferry services and outdoor activity providers.

On Rum, the Kinloch Village Road and Track Improvement Programme (£355,112), led by the Isle of Rum Community Trust, will upgrade vital roads and connecting tracks in and around Kinloch, the island's only village. Home to around 43 residents, a NatureScot-managed reserve, a Mowi fish farm and a growing tourism sector, Kinloch relies entirely on these routes to link homes, the pier, the village shop, the school, the hall and all visitor accommodation.