Lovat Shinty Scores Funding Goal
How the new pavilion will look
Work is set to begin to build a new community facility in Kiltarlity.
An award of £129,369 from the Highland LEADER Programme is the last piece of the financial jigsaw required to enable Lovat Shinty Club to proceed with a new sports and recreational pavilion.
John MacRitchie, Chair of Lovat Shinty Club said: “The current pavilion has fallen into a state of disrepair and is no longer fit for purpose. Membership of the Club has grown considerably to around 70 adults and 75 children and we expect this to continue to rise. The new pavilion will allow us to accommodate additional members, host more shinty games/community events and increase the coaching opportunities we offer school children.
“The pavilion won’t just be for shinty related activities. In developing the project, we consulted with members of the community about gaps in services and activities currently available locally. The Club has also spoken to a number of agencies, businesses and community groups about possible usage of the building. We aim to address the gaps in current provision by providing a hub for all members of the community to use and to access a range of services/activities.”
The Inner Moray Firth South Local Area Partnership is responsible for delivering the LEADER Programme in Nairnshire and Rural Inverness, excluding Inverness City. It has approved funding of £298,706 to date and is encouraging potential applicants to come forward for a share of the remaining funds which must be committed by early 2019.
David Godden, Chair of the Local Area Partnership said: “LEADER aims to promote economic and community development within rural areas and is a great source of match-funding to enable a wide range of projects to be delivered. The Local Area Partnership was impressed with the application from Lovat Shinty Club and the plans for the wider usage of the building. We are delighted the Club can proceed with building this much needed community facility now that all funding is in place.
“With just over a year left to commit LEADER funds and funding allocated on a first come, first served basis, we would encourage groups to get in touch now to discuss any project ideas. Grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 are available with applicants able to apply for up to 50% of project costs. The Local Area Partnership can consider funding projects above these limits in exceptional cases.”
For further information please visit www.highlandleader.com or contact Fiona Daschofsky, LEADER Development Officer on 01463 702 542 or by emailing fiona.daschofsky@highland.gov.uk