A new £2m scheme designed to preserve the machair wildlife habitat on the Hebrides archipelago off Scotland's western coast has been handed a funding boost by the European Union (EU).

More than £1m will be invested over a four-year period by the EU Life + fund following an application led by RSPB Scotland, which will match the contribution in partnership with the local authority - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Stretching along the coast from North Uist to Islay, the machair is home to 16,000 breeding pairs of wading birds and wild flowers, herbs and grasses, as well as rare and threatened species of insects, such as the great yellow bumblebee.

The scheme, which is expected to get underway in January, will support local crofters and farmers to develop viable, wildlife-friendly agricultural techniques through the provision of machinery, labour and advice RSPB Scotland director, Stuart Housden, said: "The funding will make a real difference to fragile island economies, with three new jobs created on the Western Isles, and direct support for the traditional crofting skills which are vital to preserving this unique wildlife, landscape and culture.

"We also expect positive spin-offs in the form of tourism to the islands, as more visitors are inspired to see what makes this area so special." Archie Campbell, chair of CnES' sustainable development committee, added: "The project has the potential to bring benefits to the machair but it is paramount that crofters are content with the proposals. RSPB have agreed to hold local consultation meetings with the crofting community at an early stage."