Black Isle halls secure funding to help keep heating costs down

Eleven community groups across the Black Isle have just been awarded £13,989 towards insulating their village halls.  The insulation will save approximately 12 tonnes of CO2 per year and significantly reduce the heat loss from the building making them more warmer and welcoming places to be.

As part of the Black Isle Energy Group, Munlochy Hall will be one of the halls to benefit from the scheme.  An application by the Halls Management Committee and the ten other community buildings was co-ordinated through The Highland Council’s Black Isle Ward to Community Energy Scotland for the Scottish Governments Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) in order to carry out roof insulation, draught proofing and cavity wall insulation.

David Cran of Munlochy Hall Management Committee said: “Munlochy Hall was originally built in 1892, and although many improvements have been made since then, as with many older buildings, the Hall falls below the energy efficiency standards expected today. The Hall Committee, being a charitable organisation, has insufficient funds to undertake this work on its own, and has been encouraged by Community Energy Scotland and the Black Isle Councillors to improve the Hall’s energy efficiency by applying for CARES  and Highland Council funding.  The Black Isle Energy Group meet regularly and this offers co-ordination and support.  This Group are very encouraged with the progress made and delighted that we have been successful in attracting this grant.”

This is only the first stage in a longer term review of the Hall, which will include a change to low energy lighting and an investigation into the possibility of switching to a bio-mass boiler. The Hall is well used by many local organisations including Munlochy Pre-school Centre, Badminton Clubs, a Youth Club, Country Dancing as well as being the chosen venue for concerts, private functions and fund-raising events.

The Black Isle Community Energy Group has gone from strength to strength with membership now growing to 24 with 11 halls and community facilities now going forward with insulation projects.

Councillor Isobel McCallum said: “The Black Isle Councillors are delighted that this award winning group are taking forward insulation and energy efficient lighting work in their halls and buildings as well as looking at larger projects including biomass boilers.  All this has been made possible with the funding and support from Community Energy Scotland and The Highland Council.  The group has met regularly and are now setting the pace for themselves and sharing information, advice and concerns.”