SLF funding for community groups in the Highlands and Islands

Land in Drumnadrochit, a memorial hall in Fort Augustus and property in Orkney are among assets being purchased by community groups in the latest round of awards totalling £829,692 across Scotland.

The SLF is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association SCIO received £217,340 to purchase land in Drumnadrochit near Inverness to develop a community sports, health and wellbeing hub.

Susan Griffin, Chair of Glenurquhart Rural Community Association, said: “Working with the Glen Urquhart Shinty Club and the Glen Urquhart Football Club, this will allow us to move ahead with our plans to develop a sports focused health and wellbeing centre with enhanced changing facilities. A fitness suite and range of treatment rooms for use by our growing community are also planned, reducing the need for our residents to travel a 30 mile round trip to access such facilities. 

Sanday Development Trust got £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.

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.”

Westray Community Development Trust (WDT) in Orkney will use its grant of £83,128 to purchase a building with outbuildings and land on the outskirts of Pierowall for a phased affordable housing project. The building comes with several outbuildings and five acres of land. With a second grant of £37,838 the group will purchase another property on the edge of Pierowall, which it plans to redevelop into a multi-functional community space.

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.”

Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company (FAGCC) will acquire the Memorial Hall building in Canalside, Fort Augustus, with their award of £44,800. The group will develop it into an accessible community space and an office providing shared workspace.

Sunart Community Company was awarded £61,188 to acquire Strontian Parish Church in Strontian to be transformed 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 received an award of £54,000 for its plans to acquire the site of Rosal clearance village. The group aims to preserve, interpret and promote the historic site for community benefit.

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.” 

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.”

Other projects were Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust to purchase the former Lochwinnoch Parish Church and develop it as a community hub and a grade A listed octagonal church in Renfrewshire will bought by the local community.

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 HIE, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade.