Skye and Raasay Communities to shape future investment plan
Residents, businesses and communities in Skye and Raasay are being encouraged to take part in a consultation throughout June to help shape an ambitious new Investment Plan for their area. The consultation, which takes account of feedback gathered at previous events held in January, is being launched in early June. The consultation workshops are being organised by the Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and are independently led and facilitated by Architecture & Design Scotland.
Several invited workshop sessions are proposed to discuss how current and future projects can address the main priorities for people and communities across the area. Following feedback from the January workshop, the June online engagement sessions will be split into smaller groups, to enable greater depth of discussion and focus on participant contributions.
To ensure wide participation an online survey has also been created at www.highland.gov.uk/skyeraasay to make it inclusive for people to get involved. It will be available and promoted alongside the June events.
These steps are designed to engage with the wider community and allow people to input their ideas and feedback.
The Investment Plan for Skye and Raasay will connect the intended outcomes of projects, both individually and collectively, with strategic outcomes for the area. It is also hoped to assist in making the case for any future funding sought. The new Investment Plan aims to build upon the wide range of priorities and projects including new and improved public amenities, community facilities and transport.
Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLVCO) Chief Officer, Jo Ford said: “We’re pleased that there is an opportunity to reach out and gather views from a good cross-section of people across Skye and Raasay about their future and how we can work together to make things happen.”
Ahead of a briefing to be provided to Members of the Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee on 31 May, Chair of the Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Gordon - speaking on behalf of fellow Ward Members Cllrs John Finlayson, Calum Macleod, and Calum Munro - said: "We have listened to the feedback received so far and recognised that it’s time for us to think about the collective impact that we can have for the future of Skye. I encourage people to get involved through the events and discussions, and the online questionnaire.”
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Head of Strategic Projects – and Chair of the Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Community Planning Partnership, Stuart MacPherson said: “This is an important time in the preparation of the plan and ultimately in working towards making successful cases for investment.”