Communities in North Uist are set to benefit from a major upgrading project to the village hall at Cairinish, in the south of the island.

The £426,000 (pounds) project will see the existing hall refurbished and extended to meet the modern needs of the area's active and remote communities.

The final piece of the funding jigsaw has been provided by a £44,000 (pounds) investment package from Western Isles Enterprise (WIE). This includes a £15,000 (pounds) Community Action Grant and a £29,000 (pounds) award from Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Community Action Grants Challenge Fund.

The bulk of the money for the development, £307,000 (pounds) is coming from a successful application to the Lotteries Charities Board, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have provided a £50,000 (pounds) grant and the community themselves have raised a further £25,000 (pounds). The Gannachy Fund contributed £10,000 (pounds) and the BBC's Children in Need added another £7,800 (pounds).

The Cairinish hall was originally built in 1957 and as well as showing its age, provides only the most basic facilities, a large hall with a small stage and kitchen. Despite this it is used regularly, 6 days a week, by over 20 local groups and organisations for activities such as youth clubs and football teams, ceilidhs and dances, fundraising events, weddings and even curry evenings.

The new proposals - which have been developed after wide-ranging consultation with the local community - will see a new, larger hall built onto the existing one - which itself will be renovated to provide improved toilet and changing facilities and a larger, catering-size kitchen. The full list of new facilities which will be available include: a larger, multi-functional hall; smaller multi-function room - better suited for meetings and playgroups; changing facilities; equipment stores; improved toilets, including disabled access; a catering size kitchen; and a bar/tuckshop. The roof level will also be raised to make the hall more suitable for ball and racquet sports.

It is estimated the hall serves a main community of over 1,000 people in the south and west of North Uist, from Locheport to Bayhead, and the new larger hall and catering facilities will allow it to be used for bigger gatherings and more weddings. Pupils at nearby Cairinish primary school also use the existing hall regularly and are excited by the prospect of being able to use the new building. Chairperson of the Cairinish Hall Committee Maire MacPhail said: "The whole committee who have taken this project forward deserve a resounding vote of thanks, alongside everyone in the community who have given us such strong support. We're now looking forward to seeing the new hall open and available for all our user groups." The opening of the new hall is also providing the impetus to reform the local drama group 'Sgioba Drama Uibhist'. They are hoping to perform the play 'Blar Chairinis' (The Battle of Cairinis) at the opening next year - commemorating the battle's 400th anniversary.

Chief executive of Western Isles Enterprise Donnie Macaulay said: "This type of project clearly demonstrates the benefits of working alongside local communities throughout the area. The people of Cairinis and further afield have been in the 'driving seat' all the way, turning the development from an ambitious idea into a reality. The new hall will be a tremendous boost for the whole community of North Uist."

Local Councillor on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Donald MacLean said: "This is excellent news for the community of North Uist. The Hall gives a focus to community life and I congratulate all those who have worked for this development. Many organisations and individuals will benefit from the development of the hall and it is an excellent example of the community and local agencies working together".

Work on the hall is due to begin in the middle of August, and is scheduled for completion by Spring 2001.