Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government is to provide £3 million in funding for the Kilbeg project.

John Swinney announced in his Autumn budget statement that Sabhal Mor Ostaig, who will deliver the Kilbeg project, will receive the funds to develop the new 40-acre village at Kilbeg, Sleat in the south of Skye.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement of support for Kilbeg. This is a significant investment from the Scottish Government that makes a substantial contribution to the funding of the project.

“Kilbeg is a very promising development which will provide a number of new homes, as well as new college buildings which will be a huge boost to Gaelic education.”
The Kilbeg plans propose to build 93 new homes, new college buildings for research and teaching, a conference facility, hotel accommodation and sports facilities.
Sabhal Mor Ostaig and the Clan Donald Trust consulted widely with the local community in developing the plan for Kilbeg, and for this reason the project received no objection during the application for planning permission, and received enthusiastic support from Highland Council in September of this year.

Adding to this, Dave said: “The funding from the Scottish Government demonstrates the commitment to securing the growth of the Gaelic language, and will also deliver a welcome economic boost to the area.

“This is great news for Skye and particularly for Sleat, and I welcome the Scottish Governments support for the project.”
 
Note:

Autumn Budget Statement
The text of John Swinney’s statement concerning Kilbeg is below:

There will be investment of nearly £20 million in further and higher education projects. That investment will enable us to support the development of the Roslin international centre for livestock improvement, which is at the cutting edge of collaborative academic development; to address pressing maintenance needs in the college estate; and to accelerate progress on the proposed Kilbeg development on Skye, which involves Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and will ensure that the college continues to be a source of employment and economic and cultural regeneration in an area of low population. There will also be investment to allow the Gaelic education sector to expand, where there is pressure for growth.