Communities around Contin probe new transport solutions after bus blow; EDF Renewables Corriemoillie Contin Community Fund helps Ross-shire transport probe
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Following a sudden and unexpected reduction in local bus services, Contin Community Council is leading a project to find out how a community transport service can be set up.
The reduction in local bus services has made it difficult for some people in the area to access work, health care and education services.
A steering group for the initiative includes representatives from the community councils of Garve, Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconon and Strathpeffer and has support from the Highland Council and Foundation Scotland.
The group wants to investigate viable options for community led transport provision, to re-connect the communities and provide links with other services.
EDF Renewables Corriemoillie Contin Community Fund is contributing £5000 to commissioning the study, which is being supplemented with £1500 from Highland Council ward discretionary fund and contributions from Strathpeffer and Contin Community Councils’ microgrant schemes.
Derek Halde Consultancy, which specialises in developing community transport solutions, has been appointed to carry out the study and organised a virtual meeting with key local contacts, including local MSP Maree Todd, Minister for Children and Young People.
Norma Ross of Contin Community Council said: “There has been a severe cut in bus services creating problems for our young people, local businesses and those with medical appointments. We are glad to be coming together with other communities to try and find a solution for our area.”
Marion McDonald of Foundation Scotland said: “This is a great example of communities coming together, using their local funds in a responsive way to help address the loss of a vital service that will impact on many people’s lives. We hope that many local people will get involved in the consultation process and help come up with workable new solutions.”
EDF Renewables, Director of Asset Operations, Piero Maggio said: "We recognise the importance of connectivity in Scotland’s most rural areas, good transport links are key to joining communities like this. It is great to see the Corriemoillie Contin Community Fund being accessed and used to the benefit of people in Contin and the surrounding areas.”
The Contin Community Fund is one of several benefitting communities close to the Corriemoillie Wind Farm and is provided by operator EDF Renewables.
Groups working to benefit people in the Contin Community Council area can apply for grants of up to £3000 from the fund.
The next application deadline is August 24. A panel of local volunteers make grant awards normally twice each year, but can also do so in between rounds if a decision is required at short notice. Full details are available on the Fund website https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/contin/
The team hopes from a great response from the local communities there will be many suggestions about what people would like to see happen.
To contact the team please get in touch through the links from Contin Community Council website or Facebook page.
Related: Call for bus rethink gathers momentum
