Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward regeneration projects secure Highland Council funding
COMMUNITY regeneration efforts across one of Ross-shire’s most far-flung council wards have been given a funding boost.
They range from a community-led pump track project in Strathpeffer to the renovation of a treasured church turned events hub in Wester Ross.
The funding of £78,775.71 for five projects in Highland Council’s Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward was hailed by committee co-chair, Councillor Liz Kraft.
She said: “Improving amenities and facilities helps to increase community resilience, boost economic growth and tackle poverty and inequality.
“We were delighted to be able to support these five very worthy projects, all of which will make a big difference in their local areas.”
Clachan Lochbroom Heritage Trust will receive £15,342 towards the cost of £21,342 to replace Georgian sash windows on the upper floor of the Clachan Church building.
The trust took ownership of the church in 2018 and maintains it as a space for open access community use for events, meetings, weddings, funerals and music.
The vital repairs will mean the fabric of the historic building is future-proofed and secure for many years to come.
Strathpeffer Residents’ Association received support for phase two of their Bikezone project.
Run in partnership with the Highland Trail Riders Association, the second phase will expand the popular facility to include a pump track and trail development.
Funds of £14,000 have been awarded to help meet the cost of the £43,296 project
This project will deliver the next phase in the transformation of a run down, unkempt and neglected outdoor area in the centre of the village to a peaceful and bio-diverse outdoor community hub with recreational, play and education areas suitable for all ages and abilities.
Dornie Moorings Association (SCIO) is to receive £25,112 for the Totaig Bay Moorings Project.
This community-led project will complete the installation of eight moorings in Totaig Bay, a popular and naturally sheltered anchorage which currently lacks any formal mooring infrastructure.
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) will receive two separate grant awards.
£17,189 will be for the Shieling social hub. The organisation recently acquired a former local restaurant, and their plan is to turn it into a multifunctional local space to bring people of all ages together.
GALE will also receive £12,942.71 for its Clean Energy Resilience project, helping meet the costs of installing a solar PV system with battery storage at The GALE Centre, a community-owned facility in Gairloch that houses a café, gift shop, information service and warm bank.
Members of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee also approved a significant funding boost for play park projects in the area.
Members agreed to commit £150,182 towards three play park projects in the ward.
The money will help parks at Applecross Community Hall (£36,000); Balmacara, Finlayson Road (£49,491) and Contin Playing Field and Munro Park and relocation of the play park from Tor View, Contin (£64,690).
Committee co-chair Councillor Liz Kraft said: “This money will help provide higher quality, more accessible and inclusive play park equipment, which in turn will have a positive impact on health in rural communities.
“The council’s Play Park Strategy recognises the value of informal spaces for play, as well as Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children have the right to relax and play and participate in a wide range of cultural, artistic and cultural activities.”
Members will be updated with timescales on delivery and installation.