Community enterprises in Lochaber can look forward to increased support with the establishment of a new Association of Community Enterprise (ACE), a pilot project which could be extended to other parts of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network area.

Voluntary Action Lochaber (VAL) is set to manage the one-year programme which will provide community enterprises with a 'one-stop-shop' where they can access information and advice on a wide variety of matters, such as funding, sustainability and legal matters.

Funding for the project has come from VAL with support from HIE, Lochaber Limited and The Highland Council. A grant of £10,000 (pounds) from HIE and £4,000 (pounds) from Lochaber Limited will help towards the £22,000 (pounds) costs of setting up the ACE.

VAL is presently operating from premises at Lochaber College but once the 'An Drochaid' centre at the former Claggan Community Centre in Fort William is refurbished, VAL and the Association will be based there. An information pack and website will be produced as a priority and one of the first ACE events will be a residential seminar where community enterprises from throughout the area can share ideas and experiences.

Karen Macinnes at VAL said: "The idea of an Association of Community Enterprise came from a seminar which was held last October attended by 20 community enterprises. They identified the type of support they needed and that is where the idea of a 'one-stop-shop' came from."

Lochaber Limited's head of Community Development, Charlotte Wright said: "ACE will help develop community strengths and leadership and enhance economic opportunities for communities.

"Although the pilot project will be led by Voluntary Action Lochaber, we hope to be closely involved in an advisory role and close links with the Lochaber Business Information Source will undoubtedly help to boost the initiative, which will hopefully be adopted in other parts of the HIE Network."