Given the strong linguistic and cultural affinity existing between the Gàidhealtachd of Scotland and the Gaeltacht of Ireland, there is great benefit to be derived from exchange visits involving community groups from both areas.  Against this background groups from Donegal in Ireland and from Skye & Lochalsh embarked on a trans-national project during 2005 with a view to exploring the potential for co-operative project development. Both groups were aware that many aspects of their communities showed remarkable similarities.  For example, economically both regions are, to a large extent, dependent on agriculture and tourism. Socially they experience similar levels of social isolation and disadvantage which often are manifest in various problems to including the lack of availability of social housing, drug and alcohol problems. Furthermore, there are striking cultural and environmental similarities between Skye & Lochalsh and Donegal and together with the social and economic similarities they make for exciting possibilities for joint ventures between both areas.
In early 2005, Skye and Lochalsh welcomed a group from Donegal in Ireland who had come over on a study trip and, flushed with the success of this venture, a return visit was organised. This five-day trip took place in the Autumn of that year and was geared to researching and establishing joint projects between both areas through experiencing at first hand the impact which LEADER+ Community Development projects are having through a series of site visits and events.