A small community in Kyle and Lochalsh is set to go ahead with an ambitious hall building project following confirmation that the final piece of funding is in place.

The Kyleakin Community Hall Committee has raised more than £57,000 over the past four years towards the £640,000 project.

A successful application to the Lottery Charity Board raised £414,000 ,(Scottish Executive contributed a further £90,000 and Highland Council provided £25,000. Now a grant of £40,000 from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE) completes the funding allowing the work to begin in two months.

The hall will be built on land owned by the Kyleakin Community Council, adjacent to playing fields. It replaces the old community hall which was built in 1919.

John Robertson, chair of the hall committee said: "The old hall, despite renovations in the 50's, is unsuitable for modern life. It is surrounded by housing restricting the kind of events we can hold and has low ceilings, sloping floors and no disabled access.

" Following extensive consultation we are confident that the new hall meets the needs of people across the community and will become the hub of social activity for the village. Everyone is excited by the news and are already planning events for the opening the hall."

It will boast a multi-purpose hall suitable for racquet sports and a flooring area big enough for 3 bowling carpets. There will be seating for 250 people, a folding stage and storage for chairs, tables and equipment.

Off the main hall there will be an annexe, which can be used as a committee room or dressing rooms for sports and drama groups. The hall has access for disabled people throughout.

Building work is due to begin in July and is expected to be completed early next year.

Development manager for SALE Graham Campbell said: "The new hall is essential to the well-being of Kyleakin and will help revitalise and sustain a social and economically active community for the future."