Highland welcomes RCGF funds for local communities

The Highland Council welcomes the Scottish Government’s recent announcement that 3 community regeneration project partners in the region are recommended to receive funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The Highland Council as lead organisation for applications to the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is helping deliver on the regeneration aspirations of communities on the Isle of Eigg; Inverasdale in Wester Ross; and Staffin on the Isle of Skye.

The 3 Highland projects and grants recommended for the 7th round of Regeneration Capital Grant Fund are as follows:

• Eigg Community Hub redevelopment - £1,200,000 (total), £100,000 (for 2020/21) and £1,100,000 (for 2021/22);
• Inverasdale Community Centre £291,265 (total), £291,165 (for 2020/21); and
• Staffin Slipway Redevelopment £969,000 (total), £387,600 (for 2020/21), and  £581,400 (for 2021/22).

The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is for people from disadvantaged and remote rural communities who will benefit from a Scotland-wide £25 million in regeneration funding.

The 3 projects in Highland are among 25 development projects earmarked for funding with the aim of tackling inequalities and delivering inclusive growth in some of the most remote or deprived communities in Scotland.

Wester Loch Ewe Trust will deliver the Inverasdale Hub redevelopment by transforming an historic former Highland Council primary school (built in 1876) to provide a multi-use community facility that can be a physical focal point for regeneration of the economic and social fabric of the community.

Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust plans to re-develop the Eigg Community Hub by creating a new café/bar; shop expansion; new toilet/shower/laundry and washing up facility for tourists;

refurbished public toilets; expansion of existing and creation of two new commercial business units; and covered outdoor storage spaces and new coastguard shed. Their plans also include an expanded craft shop and visitor information/gateway and improvements to the infrastructure for electric and water supplies among other changes to waste management, improved landscaping and car parking, and a larger waiting area and the creation of a safer area for children to play in.

The grant for Staffin Community Trust is for redevelopment plans to the slipway at Staffing which will incorporate the construction of a new breakwater offering protection and shelter for a wide range of vessels, including commercial, leisure craft, fishing boats, yachts and fish farm landing craft. A new and enhanced pier will enable access during all tides. A new pontoon system is planned for yachts and boats with 8 dedicated berths, and 12 alongside berths, and a further 8 vessels accommodated through rafting, comprising 20-28 in total. Power and water supplies will be installed along with toilets, showers, a drying area and offices. Improvements to the access road, slipway and vehicle parking are also planned.

For further information about the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund please visit:

• https://news.gov.scot/news/community-regeneration-funding
• https://www.gov.scot/policies/regeneration/capital-investment/