£1.3m investment approved by HIE in the Outer Hebrides 2023/24

Figures compiled by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) show that businesses and communities supported by the agency across the Outer Hebrides during the last financial year are set to create or retain 26 jobs.  

HIE’s outturns for 2023/24 were achieved through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions.  

Financial support included approved investment of £1.3m in 23 projects across the Outer Hebrides with a combined total cost of £4.4m and helped to attract £1.2m external investment to the Outer Hebrides.

As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.

The funding is helping a range of projects to progress that will help economic growth and business diversification, community resilience and job creation.   

They include energy efficiency and production improvements at Hebridean Smokehouse in North Uist following a £25,561 investment approval from HIE.   

A £2.3m project to enhance facilities at UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus and transform the further and higher education curriculum and training offering for people in the island received £250,000 from HIE.     

With the growing number of visitors to Calanais Stones and plans to redevelop the visitor centre, Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) is now able to provide additional tourism facilities and infrastructure with the help of £49,490 from HIE. UnT was also awarded £153,000 from HIE towards costs of the design team, specialist surveys and project management of the Calanais 2025 Visitor Centre redevelopment.   

Other examples include Barra-based builder of bespoke housing and commercial modules, Modular West, which was awarded £211,000 for a factory expansion. The project is expected to create six new jobs over the next three years.   

After outgrowing their original premises in a shed where they brewed, bottled and labelled beer, The Isle of Harris Brewery Ltd have relocated to a larger building in Leverburgh. The expansion project was supported by HIE with a £39,928 grant for bar and brewery capital and refurbishment costs.   

An award of £27,276 to Scalpay Community Association will enable the community organisation to upgrade existing tourism infrastructure. and install a payment system for visitors.   

Also in community development, in Lewis, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), received £13,791 from HIE to provide key tourism infrastructure at the Butt of Lewis following the rising number of visitors at the lighthouse. The area at the north tip of the island is also the end point for the Hebridean Way cycle route, with around 100,000 people visiting each year.   

North Uist Distillery will be able to invest in modern, efficient machinery for its whisky production process, which will lead to reductions in energy consumption. HIE approved £114,580 for the project.  

Another project to receive support to increase its green credentials was historical society Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, which got £5,028 for their EV charger installation, which will benefit visitors and the community and help CEN’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.   

A cruise learning journey to Orkney and a cruise drop-in session was funded and arranged by HIE and partners to help them make the most of the cruise market. A series of business breakfasts across the islands were held focusing on net zero, built environment and provided an opportunity for firms to collaborate.  

Joanna Peteranna, area manager in HIE’s Innse Gall’s Outer Hebrides team, said that her team is looking for other originations across the islands who are keen to grow their operations. She said:   

“We want to maintain that broader engagement and are reaching out to other businesses, social enterprises and community organisations looking to expand their activities, reach new markets and provide high-quality and varied employment.  

“These investments over the last financial year have enabled local enterprises to expand their operations, create jobs and enhance resilience of our communities.

“By empowering these groups, we’re paving the way for sustainable growth and a thriving local economy. Working with our partners in the islands, we’re proud to support such impactful projects that will bring lasting benefits to the Outer Hebrides.”