Council approves community asset transfers in Sutherland and Wester Ross
Two ‘strong’ community asset transfer requests have been given the go ahead from Councillors on The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee.
Unanimous support was given for the sale of land at South Bonar Industrial Estate at Bonar Bridge to Kyle of Sutherland Hub; and for the sale of Kinlochewe public toilets, picnic area and parking to Community Out West Trust - both at the value of £1 each.
Kyle of Sutherland Hub requested ownership of around 215m2 which adjoins the Hub’s car park at South Bonar Industrial Estate which is currently used informally for parking.
In Wester Ross, Community Out West Trust requested ownership of the Kinlochewe public toilets and adjoining picnic area with parking for around ten unmarked spaces.
Following the closure of local public toilets by the Council in 2018, the Trust has operated the toilets all-year-round, under a licence to occupy. The Trust sought ownership to improve local community amenity and to develop tourist facilities.
Cllr Alan Henderson, Chair of the Communities & Place Committee said: “The two applications are both strong in their evidence on the proposed benefits to their local communities and Members were very happy to support the applications.
“Members have given reassurance of the successes and real difference that these organisations are making in their local communities.
“I am really pleased to hear that other community groups are looking to the example being led by Community Out West running their local public toilets. It’s good to hear and reassuring that community councils are also getting involved and showing an interest.
“Successful community asset transfers like these do help the Council with its portfolio of properties and assets across the Highlands - as we do within the Council and along with our partners still provide a very large number of toilets across the region and I see this as partnership going forward to the benefit of locals and visitors.”