The Community of Barra and Vatersay

Our vision recognises people as the key resource in Barra and Vatersay. Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh aims to promote projects which will make Barra and Vatersay a better place for people to live and work. Community led development is at the heart of Iomairt aig an Oir and is the focus for Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh.

Economy

There are three prominent economic sectors in Barra and Vatersay; Private Sector: Public Sector: Social Sector: All of these sectors play an important role in employment, business and sevice provision on the islands. Public Sector: This is the major employment sector on the island providing work through a variety of public organisations such as the Comhairle and the Health Board. Issue: It is notable that while about ten public organisations govern our water, our land, our air space, our transport and community services; none have seen fit to establish a senior middle management post on the islands. Social Sector:  Many of the service provided by statutory bodies on the mainland and supplied by volunteer run organisations on Barra and Vatersay. These organisations provide significant employment. Issue: Social sector organisations continually struggle with sourcing funding for projects and particularly to ensure continuity of employment for staff. There is a need for longer term funding programmes for the provision of essential services through the social sector. Private Sector: This sector is very diverse and is dominant by fisheries, retail and hospitality. It is possible there is scope for further development of this sector. • Fisheries - New species (squid) • Retail - New expanded co-operative. • Hospitality - Provision of Camping services. • Aquaculture - Development of currently unused sites and Shellfish farming. • Construction - Hampered by a lack of skilled labour; issues with materials. • Agriculture - Reform of CAP and crofting law; opportunities in local food production and organic foods.