Scottish Land Fund boost for Kyleakin Connections is a ray of hope during coronavirus crisis
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DEVELOPMENT plans for a project benefitting adults with learning difficulties in Lochalsh have been given a significant boost after being included in the latest tranche of Scottish Land Fund grants.
The future of the Old School House in Kyleakin has been secured following the award of £24,580 to Kyleakin Connections, formerly known as Skye and Lochalsh Association for Disability. It is one of 16 groups sharing in a £3.6 million handout.
This funding will enable Kyleakin Connections, which provides a day centre for adults with learning difficulties within the building, to buy the premises from Highland Council so that it can expand and develop them.
It's chairwoman, Dr Audrey Sinclair, said: “We are delighted with the news that we have been successful in our application to the Scottish Land Fund for funding to purchase the Old School in Kyleakin. This will give us the security to continue to operate as a day centre for adults with learning disabilities. It will also help us to go ahead with our plans to expand and develop the premises. We are working towards accommodating more flexible and varied activities and uses to meet the present and future needs of groups, especially the more vulnerable within South Skye and Lochalsh.
“Kyleakin Connections has been fortunate for many years to have a loyal group of members and friends and we are grateful for their support and encouragement with this project. I would also like to acknowledge Highland Council, the present owners of the Old School, for their positive response to our request to purchase the premises.
“At a time of so much uncertainty and sad news during this Covid-19 crisis, it is refreshing to be able to bring some good news into the community and give everyone something to look forward to. We are especially looking forward to when we can celebrate the acquisition of the premises.”
Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global crisis which has fundamentally changed every aspect of our lives, and will do so for some time to come. Communities across the country, whilst impacted in so many ways by the lockdown, are playing a vital role in responding to the crisis and maintaining our resilience, our sense of spirit and local support network.
“As we plan our recovery from coronavirus, we have a chance to re-imagine the Scotland around us, and to begin building a greener, fairer and more equal society and economy. Communities must be right at the heart of this process, and the funding announced today will support a wide range of projects to achieve just this, driving long-lasting benefits and empowerment to local communities.”
Dornoch Area Community Interest Company was awarded £216,411 to acquire the former abattoir site in the heart of Dornoch in order to establish community facilities, including a community centre with curling barn, car/coach parking, multi-use games area (MUGA), and a golf driving range.
