Three Orkney projects are set to receive a significant boost following the latest round of grants from the Scottish Land Fund.
Two of the grants have been awarded to Westray Development Trust, one of £83,128 to purchase a building, with outbuildings and land, on the outskirts of Pierowall for a phased affordable housing project and a second of £37,838 to purchase a further property on the edge of Pierowall. This space, which is in poor condition, is currently being used for storage and the group proposes to demolish it and build a multi-functional community space.
Meanwhile, Sanday Development Trust has been given £98,098 to acquire a three-bedroom detached bungalow on the island of Sanday, Orkney. The house will be used to provide affordable rented accommodation for the community, primarily aimed at key workers.
The grants are amongst eight, totalling £829,692, that have been announced during this year’s Community Land Festival, which celebrates community landowners and their achievements, and runs until Sunday, 3 November. (https://www.communitylandscotland.org.uk/community-land-festival/)
The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in April 2021. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade.
Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “The Scottish Land Fund gives people an important say in the way that assets in their communities are run and used. The variety in the recipients in this round is really encouraging and I would like to congratulate all the groups behind the projects and wish them all the best as they take these forward.”
Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “These awards will provide groups across the country with the resources to use in ways that they themselves have identified as important, helping to strengthen communities in vital ways.
Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “The successful projects announced today across Scotland have all identified opportunities to help their local area to thrive and are great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. Through the purchase of land and properties including a parish church and a memorial hall, groups will be in a position to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to the community. Ownership will give them greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come.”
George Thomson, Chair, Westray Development Trust, said: “Almost a year ago WDT held a conference to gauge the desires and aspirations of our community. Two areas which were highlighted was affordable housing and Community spaces. Thanks to SLF both these projects have been given the kick start they need. “Obviously, the financial offers are vital to the viability of the projects, but just as important has been the advice and encouragement, which has been exemplary.”
And Clive Struther, Chair, Sanday Development Trust, said: “Sanday Development Trust is immensely grateful for the funding awarded by the Scottish Land Fund towards the purchase of Viggie House, which will help provide the additional low-cost, affordable rental provision that Sanday desperately needs. “We look forward to Viggie becoming a new home for a family or those with the essential skills that Sanday requires to survive. Affordable housing is essential, particularly in remote rural communities where it is very difficult to attract professionals and those with a trade. We still have a long way to go, but Viggie is a very important part of achieving a sustainable population on the island. We also thank the Sanday community for their engagement and support of this acquisition.”
Other groups receiving funding are:
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company Award – £44,800
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company (FAGCC) will acquire the Memorial Hall building in Canalside, Fort Augustus. The group will develop it into a warm, welcoming, accessible community space and an office providing shared workspace.
Sunart Community Company Award – £61,188
Sunart Community Company will acquire Strontian Parish Church in Strontian for future transformation into a modern heritage centre. This will benefit the community by enhancing learning, providing an additional community meeting place and attracting visitors to the area.
North Sutherland Community Forest Trust Award – £54,000
North Sutherland Community Forest Trust is seeking to acquire the site of Rosal clearance village. The group aim to preserve, interpret and promote the historic site for community benefit.
Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association SCIO Award – £217,340
Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA) will purchase a piece of land located centrally in Drumnadrochit, Inverness.The group will use the land to develop a community sports, health and wellbeing hub which will include a gym, 4 changing rooms, and a treatment room for use by the community.
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust Award – £233,300
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust will purchase Lochwinnoch Parish Church and develop it into a community hub with space for a range of community services and activities.