Ullapool benches set for re-vamp thanks to council ward funding
ULLAPOOL’S public benches, scattered throughout the village’s many beauty spots, are set to get a re-vamp, thanks to funding from the Highland Council.
Welcome Ullapool have revealed their plans to replace the village’s old wooden benches and picnic tables with “more durable and low maintenance ones made with recycled plastic”.
They said: “We’ve already had fantastic support from Ullapool Harbour Trust, the Highland Council Ward Fund, North Highland Initiative and Lodge St Martin — thank you! We’re nearly there with the funding but still have a few grant applications in progress.”
The organisation went on to explain that the memorial plaques will be preserved and updated. However they are appealing for information about the illegible plaque on West Terrace.
Welcome Ullapool are also offering the opportunity to have a plaque on one of the new benches or tables, for a donation of £75. For more information, email info@ullapool.com
As well as funding Ullapool’s new benches, the council’s Ward Discretionary Fund has also supported seven other community projects in the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh area since the beginning of the year.
The projects which have benefitted are:
• Wester Loch Ewe Trust, cataloguing of Historical artefacts — £900
• Remembrance Day, wreaths - £204.60
• Community Out West Trust, community toilets refurbishment — £1250
• Torridon District Community Association, community centre gutter repairs — £630
• Torridon, community development officer bridging funding — £1000
• South-west Ross Drama, one act play festival — £500
• Stromeferry and Achmore Community Council, manual grit spreader to aid Winter Resilience — £353.99
• Welcome Ullapool, replace public benches and picnic tables — £2386.16
Councillor Biz Campbell, chairperson of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee, commented: “It is encouraging to see how our local ward budget can support such a range of projects, helping communities to support and deliver on local priorities. As ward councillors, we are able to utilise our local knowledge and work with local organisations to make positive improvements to our communities.”
All council wards receive a discretionary budget, and it is for ward councillors to consider what they wish to commit funds to, in line with Highland Council objectives and outcomes.
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