Wester Ross projects secure support from Scottish Land Fund as Loch Ewe Community Enterprise Ltd wins backing for shop and flat purchase plan and Shieldaig Community Association village hall bid gets boost
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Two Wester Ross initiatives are among a dozen projects sharing more than £2.7 million in national funding to help communities purchase land for housing, safeguard local facilities and develop new resources.
Loch Ewe Community Enterprise Ltd is to receive £232,118 from the Scottish Land Fund, which is delivered in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The money will be used to purchase Poolewe’s only shop, to safeguard access to food, essential facilities and the Post Office.
The group will also retain a two-bedroom flat above the shop as rentable accommodation.
Chairman of the Loch Ewe group, John Wood, said: “We have all worked hard for this and welcome the vote of confidence it represents in our project. A big thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far, including all those who contributed to the crowdfunder and took part in the community consultations.
“A community share offer will be launched in the New Year.”
Shieldaig Community Association is also to receive £49,080 to purchase Shieldaig Village Hall to keep it functioning as a community facility for social celebrations, playgroups, fitness classes, school plays and musical events.
Association member Janene Waudby said: “This award means the future of the hall will be secure for the benefit of the whole community, avoiding it falling into private ownership.
“The church congregation will be able to use the hall in the same way as before.
“Everyone do a happy dance.”
Scottish Government minister for environment and land reform, Mairi McAllan, said: “It’s great to see such a diverse range of projects benefit from the support of the Scottish Land Fund.
“Thanks to this fund, communities all across Scotland are taking ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them.
“These grants are a vote of confidence in the future of communities, and the projects they undertake.
“They are also a tribute to the hard work and resilience of the many people who have given up their time for the common good.
“I look forward to seeing these projects flourish.”
Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund committee chairwoman, said: “From places where people can come together, space to get outdoors and vital facilities such as shops and land for affordable housing, the Scottish Land Fund is once again giving local groups the resources they need in order to strengthen their own communities.”
Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “These diverse projects are all fantastic examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of communities.
“Ownership will give communities greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come.
“We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”
