HIE supports ambitious plans for Western Isles estate

Plans which could make a lasting difference to the economic, social and environmental prospects of the fragile area of north west of Lewis are being supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE has confirmed funding of over £140,000 to Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG), also known as the Galson Estate Trust, towards a new multi-function business centre. The trust’s wider £850,000 ambitious project includes funding a commercial development manager and a renewables officer to take forward plans for a wind energy development.

”Renewable energy”

The 56,000 acre estate includes the 20 crofting townships, from Port of Ness to Upper Barvas with a population of around 3,000. UOG took ownership of one of the biggest estates in the Western Isles in January 2007 and has since been run by a volunteer board.

The new building will offer additional space for UOG who are currently using a small one room cottage in Ness as their office. As well as replacing the existing premises, it will also provide additional space for community groups in the area, file storage for the estate record and space to hold regular croft markets for local producers.

Plans include a three turbine wind energy development in addition to a dedicated wind turbine attached to the building which would provide additional income.

The area maintains strong links with the international Gaelic community and is at the forefront of progressing Gaelic culture and arts. A ranger has been in post for around two years and is already delivering considerable benefits to the wider community, facilitating sustainable management of the natural environment.

HIE has been working with the estate to realise their ambitions to improve opportunities for economic growth through creating jobs, reducing local food miles by encouraging new croft based producers to sell locally, and reducing the carbon footprint by using renewable energy technologies.

”Private funding”

Archie Macdonald, area manager for HIE’s Innse Gall team said: “Supporting the crofting way of life is both an economic gain and a cultural one and there is also a strong Gaelic culture in the area which is encouraged by UOG. Ambitions for further development include promoting tourism and environmental improvements which would provide real benefits to both the community and the estate.

“Many challenges face this area with a harsh climate and higher fuel prices, however, it is showing some signs of an upturn in population. UOG aims to continue addressing this growth and establish the windfarm and business centre to provide sufficient revenue to fund future projects.”

Chairwoman of UOG, Agnes Rennie, said: “Securing this funding package is another significant milestone for the urras and we are now looking forward to getting the new building operational. This community has many opportunities and we hope the new business centre, and support from our staff will provide an added incentive for business development in the area.”

Councillor Archie Campbell, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee, said: “The Comhairle is pleased to support the Galson Estate Trust in their ambitious plans for a new multi-function business centre. The Comhairle has contributed £19,333 under the Community Renewables Support Fund and £50k from the Community Regeneration Challenge Fund. This is an investment in the social, economic and environmental future of the area and I wish them every success.”

Construction work on the new building is expected to start in the autumn. Other project funders include Leader, Community Energy Scotland, Climate Challenge Fund, BIG Lottery Fund and private funding.

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