COMMUNITY ownership has taken a significant step forward following the announcement that six projects are to benefit from a £1.4 million share from the Scottish Land Fund.
People United for Banton (PUB) will use its £184,490 award to buy the Swan Inn in Banton, near Kilsyth in North Lanarkshire, and turn it into a new community hub providing services including a pub, shop, post office, cafe/restaurant and meeting space.
They are among the six groups across Scotland sharing in the £1,382,613 funding.
A project to provide a sustainable forest on Islay and another to improve parking near the Fairy Pools on Skye are also among those receiving funds.
PUB secretary Catherine Moneypenny said: “Our village was hit hard by the closure of the post office in 2010, followed two years later by the village shop.
“We are absolutely delighted that we can purchase the Swan Inn, which will revitalise our community and ensure the services we so vitally need are restored and secured.
“Our plans to develop the Swan Inn will extend its remit beyond a straightforward pub whilst retaining the warmth and traditional feeling of ‘the local’.”
The Scottish Land Fund has also awarded £628,800 to the community group Cockenzie House and Gardens Trust in East Lothian.
This will help secure the long-term future of Cockenzie House, built in 1680, and its four acres of grounds.
Having leased the property for four years the group will be able to build on the facilities that it currently provides, including two self-catering holiday cottages, 35 offices and studios, an art gallery, gift shop and tearoom.
Trustee Marietta di Ciacca said: “We are extremely excited by this award. The prospect of community ownership means so much and allows us to now fully invest in our services and our commitment to the community of Cockenzie and Port Seton.”
The Minginish Community Hall Association has received £38,500 to buy an existing car park and an adjacent area of woodland near the Fairy Pools attraction at Glen Brittle, Carbost, and expand the car park.
The Recycling Jura Islay Group (ReJIG) is receiving £289,389 to purchase 263 acres of forest on the Oa peninsula.
The project, Islay Community Forest Initiative, will provide a sustainable forest to create volunteering and training opportunities.
John Watt, Scottish Land Fund Committee chairman, said: “One of the many strengths of the Scottish Land Fund is its ability to respond flexibly to the individual needs of local communities.
“For example, for the first time, we’re awarding funding to enable local people to buy their village pub.
“In doing so, this community will be able to restore important facilities which have disappeared from the village in recent years, thereby creating a brighter future for local people.”
The Tiree Community Development Trust is being awarded £154,370 which will enable it to take over the Hynish Centre, while Glenboig Development Trust is receiving £87,064 to buy the Glenboig Community Centre.
The Scottish Land Fund programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the Big Lottery Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
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