7 May 2009
Ann McKechin, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office visited the Isle of Lewis today as part of a series of regional engagements to hear first hand about the challenges and opportunities for remote island communities.
The Minister's visit focused on the diversity of local industry on Lewis from energy and tourism to the life sciences and creative industries - which is testament to the fact that geographic location and the idea of remoteness from the large cities of the UK can be overcome when you have a well educated local workforce.
During her opening address at the 29th Annual Assembly of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) in Stornoway today, the Minister hailed the potential of green renewable energy and its potential to revitalise islands in the Outer Hebrides by halting the 'brain drain' and acting as a catalyst for economic, social and community regeneration.
The Minister said:
"The UK Government believes in a diverse energy mix for Scotland. We are facing long term energy challenges - namely climate change and energy security but there is also opportunity. Investment in energy will drive forward jobs and growth. The Western Isles should be at the forefront of this revolution - playing a vital part in meeting Scotland's and the UK's energy needs."
Following the conference, the Minister visited Gearrannan Village Ltd and was impressed with how it brings home to visitors the economic, social and cultural value of the traditional crofting way of life whilst underlining the fact that modern and diversified crofting can also be part of a healthy and sustainable future for the islands.
The Minister added:
"Lewis's vibrant mix of local industry is vital to the island¿s long term economic sustainability and growth. Harnessing the region's traditional industries, national advantages and talents of the local population is key to its future prosperity."
The Minister saw one such example of this during a visit to Consumer Direct Scotland who play a key role in raising awareness of consumer rights across the whole of Scotland and helping Scottish consumers to resolve their individual consumer problems.
Michelle Smith, Operations Manager, Consumer Direct Scotland:
"Consumer Direct Scotland demonstrates that the call centre industry can flourish in remote and rural locations and has successfully provided a national service from the west coast of Lewis for almost 5 years."
The UK Government's Digital Britain initiative is currently driving improved digital access for rural areas across the UK and so Ann McKechin was delighted to meet with Highlands and Islands Enterprise regarding the 'Connected Communities' broadband network. The project is a unique public-sector partnership, originally part funded through the UK Government's department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
Donnie Morrison, Senior Business Development Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise said:
"HIE welcomes the opportunity to meet with a UK Government Minister to discuss first hand issues that are of such importance to the island communities. Our advanced wireless broadband network provides services to a diverse client base across eleven populated islands and overcomes many of the challenges of serving subscribers in rural locations."
The Minister's last visit on Lewis to Equateq Ltd showcased how the life sciences sector is prospering in even the most remote of areas.
Equateq's CEO Adam Kelliher said:
"The Minister's visit gave us the opportunity to explain our unique technologies for lipid concentration which we sell in to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors and to highlight our plans for future expansion. We have a very skilled workforce thanks to a high calibre of local talent. I have no concerns about our ability to attract new staff from the island community needed to grow our business."
The Minister concluded:
"The remoteness and natural phenomena of the island¿s which were such barriers in the past can power the growth and prosperity of the future. The Outer Hebrides have an exciting future and a central role to play in the economies of Scotland and the United Kingdom."
You can read the Minister's opening address at the CPMR conference here