A remote island will have access to reliable 24 hour electricity for the first time, thanks to a funding boost worth almost £1million.this morning.
Canna is beyond the reach of the National Grid and currently relies on diesel generators to keep the lights on.
The community plans to use a £951,087 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to install and run a renewables-based electricity supply.
The project is one of eight in the Highlands and islands to claim a share in a nationwide £17million pot supplied by the lottery fund.
The Isle of Canna Community Development Trust will run the energy scheme and last night project manager Stewart Connor welcomed the investment.
He said: “This award is excellent news for the island and its community and is testimony to many years of hard work by islanders past and present. The ability to generate our electricity from renewable sources which replaces our reliance on the current diesel engines will make a huge difference to the lives of people living here.
“Our community will also be responsible for the management, maintenance and operational aspects of the new energy system which will bring huge benefits directly back to the island. We will be able to build on our resilience by having the ability to increase our population, adding much needed community facilities and helping to make the Island of Canna a more sustainable place to live well into the future.”
Another project to benefit is Lewis adventure park Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis which was awarded £106,181.
Project manager Gail Cunningham said “We are thrilled that we have secured a five year grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
“This means the popular Eoropie Dunes Park a four acre adventure park, designed and run by local people, will remain open, well maintained and improved with brand new equipment and a seasonal kiosk selling healthy drinks and snacks.
Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chairwoman said: “I am delighted to see eight community based projects in the Highlands and Islands sharing in this funding.
“From providing around the clock electricity supply to a remote island, to bringing a community together to make use of a well-loved adventure park, this money will make a real difference to a number of enterprising rural communities.”
Other north projects to benefit includes the Dornoch Firth Group, Counselling for Families and Indivudals in Need, Grimsay Community Association, RASASH Support Services and The Leanne Fund Development Project.
