Boost for Caithness Forest Plans following Scottish Land Fund Award

Dunnet Forestry Trust has received £45,950 from the Scottish Land Fund with which to purchase 260 acres of forest, which it currently manages on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage. It is one of 16 groups in Scotland today (SATURDAY 13 JUNE) sharing in £3,669,762.

The Scottish Land Fund money will allow the Trust to further develop the area on behalf of the community and to appoint a development officer to assist with plans to create more opportunities for volunteers; make improvements to play areas for children; upgrade paths to allow access for wheelchair users, horses and riders and to establish new areas for wildlife study.

Andrew Wands, Chair, Dunnet Forestry Trust, said: “It has taken a long time and been quite a complex process to get to this position and we are very grateful for the support we have received from the Scottish Land Fund. Now we can get on and bring about the improvements we have been planning for the benefit, not just of the local community, but for visitors from further afield and of course visitors on the NC 500 route, which passes the entrance to the forest.

“We very much hope to encourage many more to take advantage of the existing, and eventually the new facilities we will be providing, and to join those who already derive great benefits for their health and wellbeing from walking and taking part in the many events we already hold throughout the year in the forest.”

Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham, said:   “The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global crisis which has fundamentally changed every aspect of our lives, and will do so for some time to come. Communities across the country, whilst impacted in so many ways by the lockdown, are playing a vital role in responding to the crisis and maintaining our resilience, our sense of spirit and local support network.  

“As we plan our recovery from COVID-19, we have a chance to re-imagine the Scotland around us, and to begin building a greener, fairer and more equal society and economy. Communities must be right at the heart of this process, and the funding announced today will support a wide range of projects to achieve just this, driving long-lasting benefits and empowerment to local communities.”  

The Scottish Land Fund is today announcing £3,669,762 to 16 projects. John Watt, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “The Scottish Land Fund supports a wide range of urban and rural projects across Scotland. This particular round of funding has given a boost to communities in some of Scotland’s most remote and island locations, including larger tracts of land in Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders, allowing communities to take control of the resources that surround them and make local decisions about how these are used.” 

Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at HIE, said: “The successful projects announced today are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. Kyleakin Connections will purchase their rented premises, providing security and enabling an expansion to accommodate wider community use and Colonsay Community Development Company will be able to purchase property to develop into much needed temporary accommodation for key workers and families. Ownership will give these communities greater control over important assets and will help ensure its long-term future. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”

Other projects receiving Scottish Land Fund cash are:

Newcastleton & District Community Trust

Award - £850,000

This money will allow NDCT in its bid to purchase 750 acres of Langholm Moor, part of the Tarras Water and Holm Hill estate, in order to develop new leisure facilities and renewable assets.

Colonsay Community Development Company

Award - £214,000

The award will allow CCDC to purchase a former Baptist manse, which it plans to develop into temporary accommodation for key orders and families on the island.

Kyleakin Connections (formerly Skye and Lochalsh Association for Disability)

Award - £24,580

This funding will enable Kyleakin Connections, which provides a day centre for adults with learning difficulties, to purchase its current home in the Old School House, Kyleakin from Highland Council so that it can expand and develop the premises.

South Islay Development

Award - £110,200

With this money SID will be in a position to purchase Port Ellen Playing Fields, which the group plans to upgrade into an activity park and campsite.

The Langholm Initiative

Award - £1,000,000

This money will go towards plans by the Langholm Initiative to turn a large area of Langholm Moor in Dumfries & Galloway into a community-owned nature reserve where Hen harriers, one of the country’s most threatened birds, can thrive.

The Ballantrae Trust

Award - £262,493

This grant will allow Ballantrae Trust to purchase the Kings Arms Hotel in order to run it as a community-led social enterprise, offering flexible spaces for locals and visitors.

Shapinsay Development Trust

Award - £237,125

With this award, SDT will purchase two properties, which they plan to develop as affordable rented housing for residents on the island.

Stronsay Development Trust

Award - £130,790

By using this award to purchase a three-bedroom property, SDT will be able to provide affordable housing on the island.

Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group

Award - £190,690

Using this grant, CCCG will acquire Coatbridge Indoor Bowling Stadium in order to renovate and extend in order to better meet the needs of the community.

Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC)

Award - £216,411

This project by the Dornoch Area Community Interest Company will acquire the former Abattoir Site in the heart of Dornoch in order to establish community facilities, including a community centre with curling barn, car/coach parking, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), and a golf driving range.

Strathglass and Affric Community Company

Award - £38,588

Strathglass and Affric Community Company (SACC) intend to purchase a former nurse's home in Cannich and develop it into two homes for social rent.

All Roads lead to Whithorn Trust

Award- £110,635

This group will purchase the former Grapes Hotel in Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway to convert it into affordable rented housing.

Friends of Dundonald Castle

Award - £29,000

With this grant FoDC aims to acquire Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre, which it currently operates, from South Ayrshire Council and develop it to provide a new community facility.

North Ronaldsay Trust

Award - £159,400

The Trust will use the award to acquire a house, garage with a workshop, shop, outbuildings and eight acres of agricultural land in order to convert them into a community facility, enterprise hub, commercial use and affordable housing.

The Ridge SCIO

Award - £49,900

With this grant The Ridge SCIO will purchase land and buildings at Black Bull Close, Dunbar to develop a space for community service, including training, volunteering and gardening.