Tiree residents are celebrating after securing a financial package worth over £600,000 towards the cost of building a new village hall.
 
Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) has awarded the project £308,295 with a further £295,605 coming from the European-funded Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme.  Argyll and Bute Council has also committed £43,000 to the project which is expected to cost in the region of £676,900.
 
Tiree has been without a village hall since 1999 when the previous facility was demolished because of its deteriorating condition.  Despite its appearance however, it was still a well-used local facility and has been missed by the community.
 
An Talla - the organisation set up by islanders to take forward plans to erect a new hall - has, with the support and help of locals, been tirelessly fundraising for a new hall.  There is now over £10,000 in the coffers of An Talla, who will be responsible for the day to day running of the proposed new village hall.
 
Chairman of An Talla and local Councillor is Ian Gilles.  Commenting on their successful funding applications, he said: "The entire community of Tiree is delighted with the support and encouragement which we have been receiving from both the public and private agencies, who are helping us to erect our new village hall.

"With the recent announcements of funding support from AIE and the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme, our funding package is now complete. We expect to begin building work on An Talla in early summer this year, with a completion date of spring 2004. We are now all looking forward to the first event in Tiree's hall since 1999. This is a very exciting time for Tiree."
 
Tiree is one of the most fragile inner Hebridean islands because of its location and it's economy which is reliant on crofting and tourism - sectors which have suffered financially in recent years.
 
Chief executive of AIE, Ken Abernethy said: "Our contribution to the construction of a new village hall is just one example of our ongoing commitment to enhance the social and economic development of Tiree, which is a top priority for AIE.
 
"In the past year, AIE has supported other projects on the island including the upgrade of Milton Harbour, the redevelopment of the Tiree Mart and other projects such as the upgrading of tourist accommodation and the establishment of an outdoor activity centre.
 
"All of these projects and the construction of a new hall is providing islanders with a much-needed boost."