Projects in Inner Moray Firth to benefit from LEADER funding
Highland LEADER Programme 2014-2020
Existing courts beside Rosemarkie beach café will be upgraded
Work is set to begin to develop and improve the area around the café and recreation area at Rosemarkie Beach.
The Highland LEADER Programme has awarded funding of £37,985 towards the development of two tennis courts, one of which will be used as a multi-sports facility.
Anne Philips, Chair of Rosemarkie Amenities Association said: “We also secured funding from the LEADER programme in 2012 to develop the café. The café has proved to be popular with the community and visitors and has allowed us to raise income towards developing the sports area. The new courts will be available all year-round and in addition to tennis, we plan to offer activities such as walking football, hockey and 5 aside football. We will also look to introduce new activities to meet local demand.”
The North Kessock Ticket Office Project Group will also benefit from LEADER funding with an award of £59,406. The Group has taken community ownership of the old Pier Building at North Kessock that houses the old ferry ticket office, waiting room and toilets and looks to bring the building from being derelict back into public use.
Margaret Macdonald, Chair of the Ticket Office Project Group said: “Funding from LEADER will contribute towards the costs of restoring the building aesthetically and structurally to how it would have looked in the 1950’s, when functioning as a ticket office. Works will include the installation of new toilets for public use. The facility will be redeveloped to create space in which we plan to hold classes, discussions and exhibitions on art, heritage, nature and history.”
The old Pier Building is currently derelict and will be brought back into public use
The Inner Moray Firth North Local Area Partnership is responsible for delivering the LEADER Programme in the Black Isle, Cromarty, Dingwall and Seaforth and Tain and Easter Ross. It has approved funding of £172,854 to date and is encouraging potential applicants to come forward for a share of the remaining funds which must be committed by early 2019.
Tom Davis, 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. With just over a year left to commit 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. Applications can be made for up to 50% of project costs, although requests exceeding this can be considered in exceptional cases.”
For further information please visit www.highlandleader.com or contact Ewen McIntosh, the LEADER Development Officer for the area. Ewen can be contacted on 01463 702 259 or by emailing Ewen.McIntosh@highland.gov.uk