Invasive species at centre of transformative Wester Ross social enterprise project

A WESTER Ross 'invader' is being tamed, transformed and reinvented for artists and members of the public as part of a social enterprise project.

Gairloch And Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE) is an independent, community owned development trust and social enterprise working towards building strong, resilient communities.

GALE, which is based in Gairloch, has been collaborating with NTS Inverewe Garden making barbecue charcoal and artists' charcoal out of the invasive species Rhododendron Ponticum.

The project has involved GALE’s supported volunteer programme which has seen wood remaining after extensive clearing burned in a kiln in the forest to create a sustainable, locally made product. The charcoal is now on sale in the GALE centre with proceeds going towards supporting its outdoor learning programme to fund further activities.

The outdoor learning programme, in partnership with National Trust Scotland team, provides learning and enterprise placements for its supported volunteering service. That enables young adults with disabilities to experience a real working environment while making a valuable contribution to their community.

GALE aims to develop the area, raise awareness and create opportunities so that local people can live, work and thrive. The GALE centre is the hub for the organisation and consists of a community shop, café and tourist information point.

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