Scottish Land Fund spreads festive cheer amongst local communities

£2,754,897 for projects across Scotland

A pub in an historic Fife village and former farm buildings in Lanarkshire will pass into community hands as communities across Scotland today start their Christmas celebrations early with grants from The Scottish Land Fund.

The Red Lion Inn in Culross and Loanhead near Tarbrax are set to be bought by their local communities following awards from the Scottish Land Fund. The awards are part of a package of grants to 12 groups in Scotland totalling £2,754,897.

West Fife Community Trading Ltd has received £504,500 to take over ownership of ‘B-listed’ The Red Lion Inn in the historic village of Culross to retain a social meeting place for residents and an important visitor attraction.

Tim Collins, Secretary, West Fife Community Trading Ltd, said: “West Fife Community Trading Limited are delighted with the Scottish Land Fund support, which will help secure the future of our wonderful Inn, and would like to thank all those who helped us in our quest.”

And Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WAT IF?), a local community development trust in South Lanarkshire, has been given £454,400. This will allow the community to buy buildings and 24 acres of land at Loanhead to develop various projects including a shop, cafe, community workshop, camping pods, a growing project and both indoor and outdoor markets in this rural area on the edge of the Pentland Hills.

John Tucker, Chair, WAT IF?, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Scottish Land Fund has offered WAT IF? the financial support to purchase Loanhead. This offers our community the opportunity to develop a multi-use project and will help us realise our vision to provide a great quality of life for all local people.”

The Scottish Land Fund is delivered in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Minister for Environment and Land Reform Mairi McAllan, said: "It's great to see such a diverse range of projects benefit from the support of the Scottish Land Fund. Thanks to this fund, communities all across Scotland are taking ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them.

“These grants are a vote of confidence in the future of communities, and the projects they undertake. They are also a tribute to the hard work and resilience of the many people who have given up their time for the common good. I look forward to seeing these projects flourish."

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “From places where people can come together, space to get outdoors and vital facilities such as shops and land for affordable housing, the Scottish Land Fund is once again giving local groups the resources they need in order to strengthen their own communities.”

Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at HIE, added: “These diverse projects are all fantastic examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of communities.

“For example, by purchasing the old school house, Northton Heritage Trust, one of the groups receiving a grant, will be able to extend its visitor centre and develop an educational centre and in Stronsay, the development trust will be able to acquire a hotel and transform it into a social hub.

“Ownership will give communities greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”

Deeside Bike Collective
Award - £109,582

This group will acquire 31.4 acres of Corse Wood to provide community and recreational facilities for walking and mountain biking.

Dollar Community Development Trust
Award - £287,150

This group will purchase the Hive building in Dollar and continue to operate it as a community hub.

Finderne Development Trust
Award - £331,740

This group will purchase 3.6 acres of farm land in Rafford to provide space for 10 affordable homes and two self-build pilots, as part of an integrated project that will include co-working, allotments and a community orchard and retail space for local produce.

Glengarry Community Woodlands
Award - £197,019

With its award, GCW will purchase 117 acres of Lower Ardochy Forest near Invergarry in order to create innovative woodland crofts and provide amenity space for the community.

Loch Ewe Community Enterprise Ltd
Award - £232,118

This group will purchase Poolewe’s only shop in order to safeguard access to food and essential facilities, including a Post Office. The two-bedroom flat about the shop will be retained as affordable accommodation.

Northton Heritage Trust
Award - £239,000

NHT will purchase The Old School House and three areas of land at Northton on the Isle of Harris to allow them to extend the Seallam! Visitor Centre and car park and develop an educational centre with accommodation for researchers studying the genealogical records that are held at the site.

Stronsay Development Trust
Award - £233,878

The Trust will acquire The Stronsay Hotel to secure its future as a social hub that also contributes towards employment and sustainability on the island.

Barr Community Shop and Café Ltd
Award - £44,430

This group will purchase the shop and café at the heart of the village of Barr in South Ayrshire to secure the future of this only shop in the parish, which is a focal point for the community.

Shapinsay Development Trust
Award - £72,000

The trust will purchase the Smiddy Café and Heritage Centre situated in the village of Balfour on the Isle of Shapinsay, Orkney to renovate and upgrade the building and reinstate the café facility, creating new job opportunities and improving facilities for the islanders and tourists.

Shieldaig Community Association
Award - £49,080

Shieldaig Community Association will purchase the local Shieldaig Village Hall in order to keep it functioning as community facility for social celebrations, playgroups, fitness classes, school plays and musical events.