Six community projects in the Highlands and Islands are among 16 across Scotland to benefit from the latest round of Scottish Land Fund (SLF) awards.
Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the SLF has announced a total of £2,164,121 in this week’s approvals.
The Category-A listed Winter Garden, a landmark on Rothesay’s waterfront since 1924, is set to transfer into community ownership thanks to a £120,500 award from SLF.
Bute Community Land Company will purchase the Winter Garden from VisitScotland, to operate as a community cinema and flexible events space. The move will secure the future of the building and provide employment for four local people as well as volunteering opportunities.
Boleskine Community Care were awarded £365,611 to purchase, through a negotiated sale, Foyers Stores, Cafe and Post Office in Foyers, on the southeastern side of Loch Ness, from a private seller.
The group will lease part of the building to a Community Benefit Society, who will run the business providing a general store, cafe and post office. The upstairs accommodation will be leased to the business manager or a key worker within the community.
Broadford and Strath Community Company (BSCC) will use their award of £29,620 purchase Broadford North Wood (and an additional small plot of land), in Broadford, Isle of Skye, from HIE.
BSCC will manage and develop the woodland to deliver community benefit through increased access and volunteering opportunities. The woodland is adjacent to a 23ha site BSCC purchased in 2011 and will complement activities already carried out.
Islay Development Initiative Ltd (IDI) will purchase, through a negotiated sale, a retail building from VisitScotland in Bowmore, Islay. IDI was awarded £72,069 and will relocate their post office, zero-waste refillery and community fridge to the premises. This will provide enhanced physical access to essential services and a greater range of refill and food products. IDI will also incorporate a tourist information service point.
Melness Church Community Organisation (MCCO) will acquire Melness Church in Talmine, Sutherland, through private sale from the Church of Scotland. The group received £57,400 and plans to use the asset as a focal point for the community, an exhibition space, a seasonal cafe and space for life events.
With an award of £110,250, St Laurence Forres Trust will acquire St Laurence Church, located in Forres town centre, from the Church of Scotland. They will use the building for musical events, exhibitions, community lunches and life events.
Sandra Holmes, Head of community assets at HIE, said: “These projects highlight the incredible impact of communities taking charge of their own future. By securing vital assets, they’re safeguarding essential services while creating places that support jobs, attract visitors and bring people together. Community ownership is a powerful tool for lasting change, strengthening the local economy and building resilience for generations to come. We can’t wait to see what these inspiring ventures achieve next.”
Read more in the National Lottery’s Community Fund’s news release.