ISLA Background Information
Background
The ISLA project has been established by five European partners to encourage sustainable social and economic development on small islands on the periphery of north west Europe.
Argyll and Bute Council, working in partnership with the Nàdair Trust, is participating in the ISLA project, along with organisations from the Netherlands, France, Ireland and the Shetland Islands. The project aims to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of island communities across North West Europe, while preserving their unique natural and cultural heritage. ISLA received approval for European funding under INTERREG IIIB for a three year programme commencing September 2004. ISLA will support island investments in Argyll and Bute to a value of €300,000 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
Islands have particular characteristics and qualities which set them apart from other places but also affect their ability for sustainable conservation and development. The fact that island-settings are unique and that the harmonisation of environmental legislation, agricultural reform and economic development can have serious consequences for islands requires European recognition.
Through ISLA Bere Island (Ireland), Shetland Islands (Scotland - UK), Argyll and Bute (Scotland - UK), Tiengemeten (The Netherlands) and Kemenez and Ouessant (France) are working together for a sustainable future.
Benefits for local partners
Involvement in the ISLA project will bring a range of benefits to the local partners. The total international project value is €6,432,951, with a contribution of 48% from European Funds. A range of trans-national activities will be fully funded through the project, and each local demonstration project will receive a match funding contribution from ISLA. In the case of the Argyll Islands, the match funding contribution will amount to approximately €300,000, which will be allocated by Argyll and Bute Council to the relevant Nàdair projects. ISLA will provide significant added value for those involved, with opportunities to take part in meetings, workshops, conferences and site visits, as well as funding for jointly commissioned studies and reports from external experts.
Themes
The programme revolves around 3 main themes:
- Facilitating and bridging role of government in small island settings
- Sustainable island tourism development
- Restoring and maintaining the cultural and natural landscape
The ISLA programme is working to identify best-practice solutions for sustainable island development, and will test a range of actions in the partner countries. A series of studies, conferences and exchange visits is enabling in-depth evaluation of solutions, and promoting sharing of experience and information. It is envisioned that the project will build a permanent network of professionals and communities working on issues of island sustainability in North West Europe.
Argyll and Bute Demonstration Projects
Each of the ISLA partners will implement ‘demonstration projects’ at a local level. Argyll and Bute Council and the Nàdair Trust have put forward a package of 5 projects, selected from the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Nàdair 2 programme, as the Argyll Islands contribution to ISLA. These projects are:
Argyll and Bute Demonstration Projects:
- Gigha Heritage Gardens
Local Partner - Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust
Renovate a 20 hectare historic garden and internationally recognised plant collection to develop it as a tourism enterprise, wholly owned and managed by the Gigha Island community
- Islay Woollen Mill Wheelhouse
Local Partner - Islay Estates
Restore a Grade 1 listed Mill Wheelhouse as a visitor attraction, with facilities to teach and demonstrate traditional dying and weaving techniques.
- Lismore Gaelic Heritage Museum
Local Partner -Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mor
Build a new museum facility to act as a hub for island heritage interpretation and activities, and provide a permanent home for the archives of the Lismore Historical Society.
- Islay RSPB Reserves
Local Partner – RSPB Scotland
Implement appropriate land management to conserve and expand wildlife habitats. Provide new and upgraded interpretation and visitor facilities.
- Wildlife from the Boat
Local Partner – Argyll & Bute Council
Develop and deliver strategies for regional marine heritage protection, interpretation and visitor management.
Demonstration projects – European Partners:
The demonstration projects put forward by the other ISLA partners are:
- Tiengemeten (Netherlands)
Redevelop a formerly intensively farmed island landscape for nature conservation and public access.
- Shetland Islands (UK)
Develop a visitor orientation and management scheme for cultural heritage sites, including a central orientation centre, and works to improve access and interpretation at sites around the islands.
- Iroise Archipelago (France)
Develop sustainable agro-tourism through the restoration of an abandoned farm for tourist accommodation and as an organic farming enterprise. Provision of a visitor centre and improvements to access.
- Bere Island (Ireland)
Restore a former school house to create a multifunctional facility accommodating heritage interpretation, visitor services, exhibitions and a range of community functions.
