Coffee trailer bid to Highland Council for historic Wester Ross church site wins support of Clachan Lochbroom Heritage Trust

By Hector MacKenzie

Published: 11:02, 19 April 2023

| Updated: 11:04, 19 April 2023

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Clachan Church, which has a long history, was saved for community use.

PLANS for the temporary siting of a mobile coffee trailer at an historic Wester Ross site have been lodged with Highland Council.

Miss Isla Thomson of Cinn-T-Saile, Letters, Lochbroom, has tabled the plans for Clachan Church at Lochbroom.

Natasha Hutchison, a trustee of Clachan Lochbroom Heritage Trust, said in a letter of support|:"Clachan Lochbroom Heritage Trust (CHLT) was formed in 2017, following the announcement that the Church of Scotland intended to cease services and seek buyers for Lochbroom Parish Church.

"At that time, local people were concerned that the church might fall into disrepair, and raised funds to buy the building as a community asset. It is now managed by board of Trustees (all local residents) and a programme of renovations is being initiated.

"The building is structurally sound and available to hire for both religious (ecumenical) and secular events; and usually open twice a week for visitors during the summer.

"CHLT wishes to support the proposal of a new business premises to be sited at the above location, on land adjacent to Clachan Church.

"We understand the importance of retaining and attracting young people to our area, and this venture will provide an opportunity for one of our young Lochside residents to remain and contribute to our community and economy.

"Lochside has been a fragile community for some time, and we welcome the added interest, benefit, and sense of place that a local “hub”, however small, may bring to all of our residents.

Site of worship for 800 years opens to public for milestone event

The applicant has submitted a picture of the trailer she plans using noting that work has still to be carried out to convert it and that it will be repainted. Picture: Highland Council eplanning

Miss Thomson's proposal states: "I am applying for temporary permission as this is a mobile coffee trailer. Ideally I hope to obtain permission for five years but this time scale can be flexible.

The proposal is under consideration by Highland Council.

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