On 25th March 1999, the European Council of Ministers agreed a package of support for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland worth €308 million for the period 2000 – 2006 (since then a performance reserve has been allocated bringing the total to €319.8 million). The area was given Special Transitional status. The Single Programming Document was produced which sets out policy context and provides a quantified description of the current economy, the environment and SWOT analyses of areas and sectors. It details the Programme`s strategy and priorities for action of the Funds and the Member State, their specific objectives, the contribution of the Funds and the other financial resources.
At the core of this document is the vision for the Highlands and Islands area which was agreed following extensive consultation among the Partnership of local agencies responsible for administering the Programme. The vision is as follows:
"Our vision of [the region] is of prosperous, inclusive and self-sustaining communities, where the unique cultures, traditions and environments are enhanced and the region makes a distinctive contribution to Scotland, the UK and the European Union."
European support has contributed significantly to the development of the Highlands and Islands region however the current Special Transitional Programme represents the last opportunity to access European funding on this scale. Therefore, the strategic aim set for the current Programme by the Partnership is:
"to increase the prosperity of the Highlands and Islands through sustainable economic development and to reduce social and economic disparities within the region so that long-term progress can be sustained beyond 2006."
This is being done through targeting the resources available on projects which seek to promote sustainable economic and social development through generative investments, revolving funds, partnership and leverage of private sector funds. Efforts have also been made to build on the success of the previous Objective One Programme by addressing factors which impeded progress and making the most of the positive opportunities afforded by the region.
• Increase incomes and prosperity in the region relative to the EU average
• Reduce social and economic disparities
• Create and safeguard employment
• Ensure that communities and individuals can make a full contribution to the development of the region
• Reduce the problems caused by peripherality and insularity
• Enhance the environmental quality of the region in terms of sustainability and biodiversity
- Last Modified 13/11/2006 15:23:56
© Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme 2005
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