Eleven community projects will recieve funding in Scotland

£1.5m has been awarded to eleven community ownership projects in Scotland, thanks to the Scottish Land Fund.

The Scottish Land Fund reopened its applications in April 2016, the programme is funded by the Scottish Government and is delivered in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

One project that is set to receive a share of the funding is a community development company in the Isle of Colonsay.

The Isle of Colonsay is one of the most remote communities in Scotland, with a population of 135.

£390,000 of funding will be used to buy two remote areas of land which on which to build affordable homes for island residents as well as affordable business units.

Caitlin McNeill, director of Colonsay Community Development company said: ‘We are so excited to have secured this funding at what is a crucial time for Colonsay.

‘Having been born and raised on the island, I’ve grown up watching a community of volunteers working so hard to sustain and protect the island.

‘Had it not been for a community-led social housing project nearly 20 years ago, it is unlikely that we would have had the opportunity to stay here. We know first hand the difference projects like this make.’

Another project that has received a £177,500 grant is a community shop on the Isle of Skye, the funding will allow the community to buy their local shop.

£292,481 has been granted to the Tullibody Community Development Trust to purchase the towns community centre in order to improve and provide sports and recreational facilities to residents in Tullibody.

Minister for land reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said: ‘The Scottish Land fund continues to support a wide range of projects and these most recent awards, from woodlands to shops and from community centres to housing, demonstrating the quality and variety of community projects right across Scotland.

‘The Scottish government will continue to support and encourage communities, both urban and rural to realise their ambitions and take control of their own futures and I look forward to community ownership continuing to grow and prosper in the years to come.’

Photo Credit – National Lottery Community Fund