This fund supports small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) that operate in the visitor economy and perishable goods sector on selected islands in Scotland.

It aims to improve business resilience following several years of ferry disruption to these communities. 

The grants are expected to be distributed in amounts ranging between approximately £3,000 and £35,000. The amount you receive will depend on the size of your organisation and the overall level of demand for the fund. If demand for the fund is high, the amounts noted may be reduced.

The deadline to apply is midday on 1 September 2025.

To be eligible for the grant, your organisation must:

• be a small or medium-sized business or social enterprise (SME)
• operate in the visitor economy or perishable goods sector (excluding alcoholic drinks)
• operate and have a trading address on at least one of the eligible islands which have experienced prolonged disruption to their ferry services from mainland Scotland

The eligible islands are:

• Arran
• Benbecula
• Berneray
• Colonsay
• Eriskay
• Grimsay
• North Uist
• South Uist

You must also primarily operate in one of the following areas:

• retail outlets
• retail sales in stalls
• markets
• cafes
• restaurants
• other eateries 
• hotels
• B&Bs
• other accommodation providers, such as campsites 
• visitor attractions
• museums
• art galleries
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities
• indoor and outdoor events
• land-based transport operators, including taxis, buses and cycles
• tour operators and guides
• processing or manufacture of perishable food and drink items 
• transport and storage of perishable food and drink items (excluding alcoholic drinks)

Your organisation must also:

• have started trading on or before 1 April 2024 
• have had an annual turnover of at least £22,000 in your last accounting period
• generate at least 50% of your turnover from one of the eligible sectors 
• have more than 50% of your staff based on one or more of the eligible islands
• intend to continue trading in the eligible sectors for the next 12 months

Your organisation is not eligible if it transports perishable goods primarily by air, rather than ferry. You're also not eligible if your organisation is a:

• public sector or arms-length government organisation
• political organisation
• religious or membership organisation

It is free to apply to this fund.

Small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises that operate in the visitor economy and perishable goods sector on selected Scottish islands affected by ferry disruption.

The deadline to apply is midday on 1 September 2025. Decisions will be made as soon as possible after this date.

If successful, you should receive your payment by 31 October 2025.

The deadline to apply is midday on 1 September 2025.

If successful, you should receive your payment by 31 October 2025.

There is no appeals process. If you're unsuccessful, you'll be told why and directed to other forms of support if possible.

To apply, you'll need to provide documentation including:

• evidence of your turnover 
• a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) for self-employed applicants
• bank statements from the last 3 months
• a company or Scottish Charity Regulator registration
• a Financial Conduct Authority registration number for registered societies, co-operatives or community benefit organisations
• your VAT registration number
• your average annual employee numbers
• details of any previous Minimum Financial Assistance

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website for more information and to apply.