Wester Ross community organisation secures grant towards purchase of The Shieling Cafe
A Wester Ross community organisation has secured a grant offer from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) for use towards the purchase of The Shieling.
Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) has received £337,724 which will provide a contribution towards the acquisition costs of The Shieling and cover some initial staffing costs associated with the project.
GALE managing director, Janet Miles, said: “We are thrilled to receive this grant offer, as it symbolises an exciting milestone in a very challenging journey. The outpouring of support from numerous local individuals and partner organisations has been overwhelming.
"Everyone at GALE extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have provided letters of support, offered assistance, made donations, and continuously shared words of encouragement during every hurdle we've faced. This grant is a testament to the collective effort and unwavering commitment of our supporters, and we are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions.”
However, this grant does not automatically transfer the ownership of The Shieling to GALE. There are still several steps it needs to follow, including navigating through conveyancing legalities.
Community land and asset ownership is a relatively new concept in Scotland, but it has already started to bring about significant benefits for local communities.
The GALE Centre which has been in community ownership since it was built in 2012. Like many community owned assets The GALE Centre helps to anchor wealth in the community, creating jobs and economic opportunities as well as meeting social and wellbeing needs.
Its neighbour, Gairloch Heritage Museum, is also community owned and so GALE’s ownership of the Shieling would close the gap along this roadside strip and create a corridor of community owned buildings/assets.
