News
NADAIR CELEBRATION EVENT- JUNE 19TH AND 20TH 2008
Celebrating the legacy of real achievement! Eight years of Successful Nàdair Programmes in Argyll On Thursday 19th and 20th of June, the Nàdair Trust organised an event to celebrate the highly successful achievements of the Nàdair programmes, together with representatives of the many organisations, communities and individuals who have contributed to that success.
Ten years ago, the Heritage Lottery Fund invited environmental NGOs across the UK to discuss the future of their Area Scheme fund. The Argyll Island area was identified as a very special place with a wealth of heritage and with communities and organisations with ambitions. Together with SNH, HIE, Ax Enterprise, AILLST Tourist Board and the Council a flotilla of hugely imaginative projects were drown together. Two years later The Nàdair Trust was formed and, in conjunction with many other supporters the Nàdair 1 programme was launched. Support from these partners has even enabled the Nàdair Trust to deliver two consecutive Landscape Partnership Schemes. These schemes include a total of 70 projects, delivered in partnership with 31 local and regional organisations. Together these projects have made a significant contribution to protecting island heritage, and helping locals and visitors to learn about and enjoy it.
With a total value of ± £ 10 million, the Nàdair programmes also had a positive impact on the island economies, increasing demand for local goods and services, creating jobs, raising skill levels and supporting the vitally important tourism industry. Around 370 volunteers provided input across the projects, many benefiting from opportunities to develop new skills. Not only have they brought together delivery of real environmental benefits with positive community and economic impacts, they have given a new pride to the islands. New community venues have been created, new materials for island schools produced, an iconic floating school to sail the seas between the islands launched, wildlife management and monitoring programmes implemented, and above all, new generations welcomed to appreciate the wealth of wildlife and human heritage that the Islands offer to visitors and residents alike. Building on the success of the first programme, a second Argyll Islands scheme - Nàdair 2 - was launched in 2005. Nàdair 2 includes a total of 39 projects from the islands of Coll, Colonsay, Gigha, Islay, Jura, Lismore, Luing, Mull, Oronsay and Tiree, as well as a number of inter-island and sea- based projects. The programme is due to be completed by August 2008.
Amongst the many delegates representatives were present from Heritage Lottery Fund, RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, HIE, Forestry Commission Scotland, Visit Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council and Jim Mather, the Scottish minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism:
"Charities and voluntary groups have a vital role to play in Scotland's future. We are keen to see them build capacity, capability and financial sustainability, ensuring a strong and active third sector reaches its potential and makes a key contribution to our national goal of increased sustainable growth. With a focus on accountability, independence and delivery, the government sees the sector as a partner to deliver complementary and innovative public services. I am sure that an evolving Nadair Trust - with its proven track record of managing highly succesful projects, could make a significant contribution to these plans in the years to come".