'Invaluable contributions' of supporters hailed as Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum lands game-changing £337K grant offer
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A WESTER Ross group working to breathe new life into the area centred is celebrating a "an exciting milestone in a very challenging journey" after a £337,724 grant offer.
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) has received the offer from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) towards the acquisition costs of The Shieling and to cover some initial staffing costs associated with the project.
The group's best-known project is the GALE Centre, which acts as a community hub, providing year-round employment for around 25 employees. The centre, operational since 2012, houses a community café, shop and tourist information.
The new project would essentially create a corridor of community owned buildings and assets in the village.
GALE managing director, Janet Miles, said: “We are thrilled to receive this grant offer, as it symbolises an exciting milestone in a very challenging journey. The outpouring of support from numerous local individuals and partner organisations has been overwhelming.
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"Everyone at GALE extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have provided letters of support, offered assistance, made donations, and continuously shared words of encouragement during every hurdle we've faced. This grant is a testament to the collective effort and unwavering commitment of our supporters, and we are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions.”
However, this grant does not automatically transfer the ownership of The Shieling to GALE. There are still several steps it needs to follow, including navigating through conveyancing legalities.
Community land and asset ownership is a relatively new concept in Scotland, but it has already started to bring about significant benefits for local communities.
The GALE Centre has been in community ownership since it was built in 2012. Like many community owned assets, it aims to help anchor wealth in the community, creating jobs and economic opportunities as well as meeting social and wellbeing needs.
Its neighbour, award-winning Gairloch Heritage Museum, is also community owned. Ownership of The Shieling would close the gap along this roadside strip and create a corridor of community owned assets.
Project backers say the potential addition of The Shieling promises further opportunities to create local jobs, support local businesses, and build a more resilient and sustainable local economy.
GALE Action Forum represents communities in the Gairloch and Loch Ewe area. It’s purpose is to socially, environmentally and economically regenerate the area through participatory community action and community owned social enterprise.
The Scottish Land Fund supports rural and urban communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets.
Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, it offers grants of up to £1 million to help communities take ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them, as well as practical support to develop their aspirations into viable projects.
