Manse Road Houses – 14 May 2016

Much has been happening!

We now have £20,000 to put towards the regeneration of 17 Manse Road. There is a still a shortfall but we will begin the most urgent work as soon as the lease with Highland Council is signed (in the next week or two).
Funding has come from the Highland Council’s Empty Properties fund, the Ward Discretionary Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Later this month the Care and Learning Department of Highland Council will be considering whether 18 Manse Road is surplus to their requirements.
We would like to acquire the house on the same terms as 17 Manse Road.
We have submitted a Business Plan to Highland Council.
Highland Council staff have indicated that they would be able to give us another grant through the Empty Properties Fund.
The regeneration of 17 and 18 Manse Road is supported by all 3 Ward Councillors.

Loch Clash – Phase 2

As Phase 1 is now nearing completion, it is time to think about Phase 2. We were delighted to hear in April that we had been awarded a lottery grant of £9,200 (Awards for All) for an Options Appraisal and Business Plan for Phase 2. This will be done by a consultant. Based on previous community consultation, possible uses include a cafe, bunkhouse accommodation and a heritage room. We are now seeking further funding to top up the award and to commission architectural drawings.

Loch Clash Update – 14 May 2016

Although there has been a pause in work on-site, much is still going on – we have been given the go-ahead for the water connections, a caravan licence has been applied and a sign for the project has been done. The site is almost cleared and the new concrete surface should be laid shortly.

North West Sutherland Community Broadband Meeting

There will be an area-wide meeting on 13 June 2016 in Elphin to discuss community broadband options for communities in North West Sutherland and whether there is interest in joining together. The meeting is being organised by Community Broadband Scotland. We will be there along with community representatives from covering the entire region from Assynt to Tongue.