A local development officer has been appointed to help a small community on Skye to create an economic, social, and cultural plan for their future growth. Staffin Community Trust has recruited Marion Beaton through HIE's Community Account Management approach.
HIE is supporting up to 40 communities in the most fragile areas of the Highlands and Islands by funding key posts to work locally with a range of community groups.
Marion will be involved with a range of community projects which will increase local economic activity in the area including working in partnership with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye's Gaelic College, to develop Gaelic learning.
She will also run a number of public events to gauge community expectations and to allow for local input at an early stage in the process.
This could include the relaunch and development of the Sùil an-t-Solais festival of photography, plans to grow the local sheep dog trials, alternative energy and further development of the community slipway. The post will not only deliver the trust's projects but will also work with the wider community action plan for the whole of the Staffin area.
Marion has worked for Comunn na Gàidhlig and Bòrd na Gàidhlig over the last few years and is returning to her home in Staffin to take up the post. She is also a fluent Gaelic speaker and the Trust is very keen to develop a number of Gaelic projects as part of its community development plan.
Staffin lies on the east coast of the Trotternish peninsula, near the head of Staffin Bay and 18 miles north of Portree. The area covered by Marion's post includes the 23 townships of Staffin, from Flodigarry in the north to Lealt and Lower Tote in the south. The trust has undertaken a range of ambitious projects, mainly focused on historical and environmental themes which recognise the assets of the Staffin area: a strong sense of community identity and a spectacular and unique natural environment which is of great attraction to geologists, naturalists, and walkers.
Marion said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to return home to Flodigarry and I am very much looking forward to assisting Staffin Community Trust in moving the community's plans forward."
As well as being part funded by the European Union's LEADER programme, support is also provided from a HIE member of staff. HIE development manager Claire Hannah will be working closely with the community group.
Claire Hannah said: "HIE is very happy to be supporting Marion and the trust to develop their community plan. I am confident that this initiative will assist the communities of Staffin to capitalise on its rich cultural heritage, and enable a number of income generating projects that will strengthen the economy of the area."
Staffin Community Trust directors are currently discussing a number of constitutional changes in order to widen the membership base and promote increased local involvement.
