Neil Gray MSP Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP met with a local patient group and other interested parties in Uist to discuss opportunities to improve access to health services and transport in the Western Isles.

On a visit to the Isle of Lewis and Harris, Equalities Minister @KaukabStewart met with a variety of community groups and organisations. The Minister saw examples of how @ScotGov is helping to support people to live and work in rural and island communities.

The Minister met with Hebridean Housing Partnership, Comhairle nan Eilean and South Harris Community Council to discuss housing provision in Harris. Ms Stewart visited the James Place social rent housing project in Tarbert that was backed by £1 million of @ScotGov funding.

The Minister visited the Leverhulme Community Hub to understand how @ScotGov investment is supporting the local community. The hub provides services including a charity shop and laundrette. This creates volunteering and employment opportunities and reduces social isolation.

O’Mac Construction is a local employer on the Isle of Lewis. They have created employment opportunities for over 40 local people who were previously unemployed, with a particular focus on supporting parents, young people and disabled people to access employment or training.

The Comhairle nan Eilean Resettlement Team welcomes and supports refugees who move to the Western Isles. The Minister met with a refugee family who travelled to Stornoway from Afghanistan. The family spoke about how they have integrated into the community and accessed employment.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart MSP has announced £60,000 for Comhairle nan Eilean to provide training opportunities and childcare provision for parents. The project is one of six across Scotland sharing in £360,000 funding to address the impact of depopulation. gov.scot/news/helping-u…

Dh’fhoillsich Ministear na Co-ionannachd Kaukab Stewart MSP £60,000 do Comhairle nan Eilean gus cothroman trèanaidh is cùram-chloinne a thoirt do phàrantan. Tha am pròiseact air aon de shia air feadh Alba a gheibh pàirt de mhaoin £360,000 gus dèiligeadh ri call-sluaigh.

Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey visited Heriot-Watt Orkney to learn more about a range of research and innovation initiatives designed to support the local economy and net zero ambitions.

The Minister was also given a tour of @UHI_Orkney to see the vital work it is doing in partnership with Orkney Islands Council to provide local students with the skills they need to thrive in the world of work.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has announced that Shetland charity Dogs Against Drugs will receive £30,000 in funding from assets seized from criminal activity. ow.ly/VXgy50T8UpH

Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon and ourselves are proud to have supported development of Ionad an Stòir through our Islands Programme. We’re thrilled to see it officially opened! This ambitious project supports economic development and showcases Skye’s unique heritage and culture

“This has been a real benefit to communities, to residents and to businesses.” Investment Minister Tom Arthur on how @ScotGov’s 4G infill programme has helped people across rural and island areas. 📡 👇 More ➡️ ow.ly/xaAk50T9QP7

A @RoberGordonUni report shows that Shetland Islands Council's Anchor Project had a positive impact on families in the community by providing support from existing frontline services to tackle poverty and inequality. Find out more ow.ly/gLn250Te4Q4

We recently visited two exciting Islands Programme funded projects progressing in Shetland. Community-centred and led, the Aald Skül and Hymhus have invested and expanded in their services. Great community spirit! Thanks for having us and to Shetland Islands Council for organising!

The Outer Hebrides CLLD have launched their grant fund! In total, £90,000 of capital funding is available and applications are now sought for sums in the region of £5,000-£10,000. Details➡️ tinyurl.com/4edw4uju Community Land Outer Hebrides Scottish Islands Federation Highlands & Islands Climate Hub Scottish Islands Team

Addressing the UHI Islands Forum today in Kirkwall, Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon praised the close collaboration between @ScotGov and UHI which is helping to build resilient and resourceful island communities.

Online sessions will be held 18 & 19 September for island communities to share views on social care, social work & community health support. Anyone with experience of using or delivering these services & unpaid carers are welcome. Sign up to a session➡️ bit.ly/3TdK5PW

Industry leaders from across the cruise sector met in Orkney this week for a round table discussion on the potential to introduce a cruise passenger levy in Scotland - orkney.gov.uk/latest-news/cr…

Communities across Scotland, including those in the Hebrides, Shetland and Arran are amongst 19 groups benefitting from a share of £1.5 million Scottish Government funding through LocalEnergyScotland supporting community renewable energy generation projects. More ➡️ bit.ly/4e0Go8D