Development Plans

The Western Isles Community Planning Partnership has identified a window of opportunity for action and investment, in key areas of the Outer Hebrides. There is a unique opportunity to revitalise the islands and to transform the Outer Hebrides into a net contributor to the national economy.

Creating Communities of the Future is a strategy that provides a shared vision for the regeneration of the Outer Hebrides, based on six inter-related economic drivers. The strategy provides a long-term regeneration vision for the area, which is supported by a detailed action plan.

Key features that the Outer Hebrides demonstrate as a result of the strategy include:

• In-migration
• Young people having a an increasing range of choices to “stay / go / return”
• Renewable energy as a major employer and economic contributor
• Job dispersal continuing to bring sustainable employment
• Re-branding of the area - complete and working
• More land and marine resources in community ownership
• Broadband internet connections are universally available and widely used
• The regeneration of Stornoway is driving activity throughout the islands