The Scottish Government has announced a £2m fund giving grants worth up to £150,000 for businesses and groups focussed on supporting sustainable island economies.
The Island Communities Fund is in turn funded from the £9.5m previously committed to the Islands Green Recovery Programme for 2021-22.
Grant applications can be submitted through Inspiring Scotland, which will manage the fund.
Applicants will be expected to drive island-based, community-led projects and detail how it they contribute to a sustainable future for the islands, supporting employment and community resilience.
Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “This fund will help to deliver projects that contribute to Scotland’s fair and just transition to net zero and to climate resilient living on our islands - we’re looking for ‘shovel-ready’ green infrastructure activities to support a strong and sustainable future for our islands.
“This fund builds on the success of and learning from the Islands Green Recovery Programme and supports the delivery of the National Islands Plan at a grassroots level.”
Inspiring Scotland chief executive Celia Tennant added: “The Island Communities Fund will support local communities and organisations to develop their local economy and support local employment in an environmentally responsible way - a vital step towards supporting wellbeing while reducing our collective impact on the planet.”
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