A project supporting young carers on the Isle of Skye is among 16 community led initiatives across Scotland’s islands to receive new funding aligned with the National Islands Plan.
More than £800,000 will be shared across six island local authorities, including Highland, to support projects designed to strengthen local infrastructure, safeguard island economies and tackle depopulation.
The funding will be distributed across Argyll and Bute, Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, North Ayrshire, Orkney and Shetland.
On Skye, the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers Group will receive £70,000 to help deliver a new bespoke facility to meet growing demand for support services.
The group currently supports more than 100 young carers but operates from accommodation that no longer meets its needs.
The new funding will support the development of a dedicated space offering counselling, life skills support and bereavement services.
Cabinet Secretary for Islands Mairi Gougeon said:
“We have worked closely with the local authorities, the Scottish Futures Trust and community groups to identify projects which support the needs and aspirations of our valued island communities.
“Scotland’s islands are home to vibrant communities and the Scottish Government is dedicated to championing local priorities and securing a sustainable future for these communities.
“This collaborative approach builds resilient economies that not only thrive today but generate income to reinvest locally for years to come.”
Highland Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of the Isle of Skye Committee and Education Chair, said the funding would make a real difference to young people and families.
“I am delighted to see this funding approved for the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, a vital service which works closely with local schools and families and provides essential additional support to young people who in many cases may have substantial caring duties.
“Since it was established in 2000, the SLYC has assisted dozens of young carers and their families.”
“Many of them might otherwise have been shouldering enormous levels of responsibility unknown and in silence.
“These young people who provide a caring role at home are a resilient and incredible group.”
He said the project would help realise a long held ambition.
“They have had a long-held ambition to establish a permanent home for the group in Portree, and these funds will help them towards realising their goal of a new, safe, accessible, and fun space to call their own.
“The council, working with local members, has previously supported the group with Community Regeneration Funding and I am delighted that this latest financial support is contributing to the work of this vital service in Skye and Lochalsh.”
Across Scotland’s islands, the funding supports a wide range of projects, from village hall regeneration and heritage centres to transport, housing and youth facilities.
The investments form part of the wider National Plan for Scotland’s Islands, which aims to ensure island communities remain viable, connected and resilient.
The Scottish Government says the targeted approach reflects the diversity of island needs while keeping local voices central to decision making.
