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Achtercairn Regeneration Project in Wester Ross village of Gairloch commended in Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2022 and credited with helping keep local families in area


By Imogen James

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Gairloch regeneration project. Picture: Rupert Shanks Photography
Gairloch regeneration project. Picture: Rupert Shanks Photography

The community-focussed Achtercairn Regeneration Project in Gairloch has been commended by the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2022.

The My Place Awards are a national celebration of community-led built environment projects.

The Achtercairn Regeneration project was recognised for re-invigorating Gairloch with affordable housing, a local farm shop and a community hub.

The project began in the late 2000s with an aim to help the village overcome a low-wage, seasonal tourist economy and to provide more affordable homes to stop young people leaving the area.

Gairloch regeneration project. Picture: Rupert Shanks Photography
Gairloch regeneration project. Picture: Rupert Shanks Photography

It was built in three phases over ten years, resulting in 19 affordable homes, six low cost home ownership units, a local farm shop (pictured), a community hub, tourist information, shop, café, offices and a University of the Highlands and Islands learning hub.

The project was finished in 2020 and has already meant 25 local families remained in the area.

School enrolment increased and the local shop and café sell produce from 40 local makers, supporting the local economy with an additional £75,000 annually.

Chair of My Place Awards 2022 judging panel, Ian Leith, said: “The annual My Place Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s places and spaces. This year’s commended and winning projects are inspiring examples of how communities can come together to develop innovative places and achieve a positive change for local people.

“We congratulate their immense efforts and encourage groups across Scotland to follow in their stead.”


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