An agreement to invest £100 million in the future economic prosperity of Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides was signed today in Orkney by UK and Scottish government ministers and the council leaders of the three island groups.
Up to 1,300 jobs and £393m of investment is anticipated to result from the signing of the Islands Growth Deal between UK Government, Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Shetland Islands Council and Orkney Islands Council.
Over a 10-year period, the deal will invest in 16 projects and programmes built around three strategic themes: low carbon, supporting growth and future industries, and thriving sustainable communities; subject to approval of Full Business Cases.
Jointly funded by £50m from each of the Scottish and UK governments - the deal should attract further investment of up to £293m in match funding.
It has been developed by the three island councils, together with public, academic, business, community and third sector partners.
The first year of the decade-long programme is anticipated to see investment across the islands, including in the University of the Highlands and Islands’s campuses in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, and the Islands Centre for Net Zero, which will be based at the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus in Stromness.
