Western Isles benefits from community cash back scheme

CashBack For Communities support that has provided millions of pounds of funding to community projects has been welcomed across the Western Isles.

A Scottish Government programme, CashBack for Communities, reinvests criminal assets recovered into projects delivering positive futures for young people across Scotland.

Since 2008, over £90 million has been spent on projects across Scotland, including £1,010,913 in the Western Isles.

This funding has been targeted at projects supporting young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, those impacted by adverse childhood experiences and to help under 25’s improve their health and wellbeing.

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, commented: “CashBack for Communities has been a vital support to young people across the Western Isles, helping those in need to turn their lives around and gain access to employment, education and volunteering opportunities.

“It is right that wealth recovered from criminals is put to use in the community.”

Since 2008 the scheme has seen £1,010,913 invested in local Western Isles projects with a further £26,350 provided so far in 2022/23.

“These projects make a real difference to the lives of young people across my constituency and I warmly welcome the commitment from the SNP Government that this will continue until at least 2026,” added Mr Allan.