New eco-friendly minibus for Skye community
The Highland Council, in partnership with The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) and Sleat Community Trust (SCT), are delighted to announce the introduction of a new, 100% electric vehicle to deliver sustainable community transport throughout the Sleat peninsula of Skye.
Funding for the project was made possible by the Interreg North Sea Region MOVE Project (Mobility Opportunities Valuable to Everybody), supported by the European Regional Development Fund. MOVE is an EU initiative that focuses on encouraging and supporting environmentally forward-thinking transport in rural areas throughout the North Sea Region.
The project to get the new minibus is also facilitated by recent installations of EV chargers at critical points in Sleat.
The new Nissan e-NV200 vehicle will be delivered to Sleat Community Trust next week, with plans for a celebratory launch in Spring 2021.
Eilean a’ Cheò Ward Member Cllr John Finlayson said: “Like many in the Sleat community I am excited by this initiative which not only supports members of the community but also the agendas of best value and climate change. It also illustrates fantastic partnership working between the community, the council and HITRANS and will hopefully be replicated in not only other parts of Skye, but also across the Highlands.”
Cllr Allan Henderson added: “As chair of HITRANS I have been delighted to be able to support Sleat Community Trust through the MOVE project. This zero emission vehicle will slot in well to this proven essential community service.”
Martin MacGillivray, Chair of Sleat Community Trust said: “The new electric minibus will be of immense benefit to the people of Sleat. We plan to offer regular runs to isolated communities, as well as looking to other initiatives such as grocery deliveries and use by local clubs and groups. SCT is excited to be part of the MOVE project, and we would like to thank our partners at HITRANS and The Highland Council for their excellent support.”
ENDS