The Scottish government has announced today (Wednesday, July 29) that it will be transforming a disused ferry store into a community-owned venison processing unit for the Isle of Raasay, as part of a £750,000 investment.

The £129,000 renovation will be taking place at the former East Suisnish Ferry Pier Store, which will go towards turning the facility into a solar-powered food production hub for the island.

Government officials outlined that the facility will sustain local jobs, deliver butchery training and launch a "Hill to Plate" education programme with a local primary school.

According to the Scottish government, the new vension processing unit will also cut carbon emissions by around 136 tonnes a year, along with removing the need to transport carcasses off the island for processing.

Raasay

In addition to the £129,000 investment towards the renovation, the island of Raasay is also set to receive £78,000 to restore habitats across the landscape by removing invasive species and planting 4,000 native trees.

The Scottish government noted that this funding makes part of its Carbon Neutral Islands programme, which has reportedly invested £4.65 million in total since its launch in 2021.

The community development officer at the Raasay Development Trust, Tom Lusink said: "We're grateful to be awarded this funding, which is essential for Raasay to continue its net zero journey.

"Building the venison processing facility builds on the crofting community's legacy of taking ownership for its deer management, and we will continue to support community stewardship of the island," he added.

Lunisk highlighted that the funding has "been designed to offer diverse employment and skills opportunities".

Scottish islands

In today's round of government funding, Raasay joins four other Scottish islands that will also be financially backed through the Carbon Neutral Islands programme:

On the island of Barra, an allocation of £182,000 will fund energy storage, heating and infrastructure upgrades at Northbay Hall and Gàradh a' Bhàgh a' Tuath;
On the island of Islay, £75,000 will pay for solar panels, battery storage and heating upgrades across community buildings;
On Great Cumbrae, £144,500 will fit solar panels and battery storage in 17 homes;
On Hoy, £140,000 will install solar panels and battery storage at the YM Community Hall in Longhope.

Speaking on today's investment, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin recognised that "island communities face real challenges such as cost of living, higher energy costs and the growing impacts of climate change."

Martin noted that the investment "will help thousands of residents build stronger, more self-sufficient communities fit for the future."

She added: "These projects show how tackling climate change can create jobs, grow local economies and keep more money in island communities

"Across the five islands, the funding will support solar power, battery storage, low-carbon heating, habitat restoration and local food production.

"These represent practical, community-led action designed to reduce reliance on imported fuels and help islands become more self-sufficient ahead of a 2040 carbon neutral target."