Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's efforts to mitigate the downturn in the economy of the Outer Hebrides are continuing this week with seminars to assess the present and future outlook for local business. They will also seek to identify actions that can be taken collectively to minimise further negative impacts arising from the down-turn.

Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said: "The Comhairle will do what it can to lessen the impact of the economic problems that we have been experiencing. Whilst this is a national and international issue, the effects at a local level have already been seen with more than 300 job losses estimated in recent months.

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"These meetings are to assess the current situation by speaking directly to businesses and to work together on finding actions that we can take to lessen the impacts of the worsening economic situation."

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar recently announced that it would be accelerating its Capital Programme to help stimulate the local economy. The Comhairle is also working with its Community Planning Partners on a range of issues to try and mitigate the effects of the economic decline.

The business seminars are to be held at 6:30pm, on Wednesday 14 January 2009 in the Council Offices, Stornoway and on Thursday 15 January 2009 in the Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula. All representatives of the business community in the Outer Hebrides are welcome to attend.

(GK/JM)