A Shetland community group planning to bring new employment, business start-up and tourism opportunities to its local area have received an award of £113,900 from the Scottish Land Fund.
North Yell Development Council will use the funding to purchase two separate areas of land in Cullivoe. The first of these is an extension to the group’s existing industrial estate which will allow it to develop the land to be let to local businesses. The second is foreshore land that will support a proposed new marina development including pontoon berths, campsite and visitor facilities.
Mark Lawson, Chairperson, North Yell Development Council, said: ‘North Yell Development Council is delighted with the news that our application to the Scottish Land Fund has been successful. This funding will allow us to move our projects forward as we look to develop the industrial, employment and tourism opportunities in our local community. We would like to thank all those involved in helping us to reach this stage and to the community of North Yell for pulling together to build a better future.”
North Yell Development Council is one of five groups today sharing in £936,535 of Scottish Government funding from the Scottish Land Fund. Announcing today’s awards, John Watt, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, said: “The Scottish Land Fund is delighted to award this funding to North Yell Development Council. In bringing two pieces of land into community ownership, the project has the potential to bring huge economic benefits to the island, including increased tourism opportunities. Local people are clearly committed to this project and should be applauded for working together to take control of their own future.”
Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said of today’s grants: “It’s great to see these community groups taking the initiative and putting together some terrific projects, which will see local buildings and areas repurposed to create lasting and tangible improvements to their local communities. Through the Scottish Land Fund, the Scottish Government is again enabling communities throughout Scotland to unlock the potential of their land and buildings.”
Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “HIE has previously supported North Yell Development Council and they have worked hard to make their ambitions a reality. It will be great to see the community and visitors enjoying the benefits of the new marina facilities as well as the development of the land for local businesses and we wish them all the very best in their new venture.”
The Scottish Land Fund, funded by the Scottish Government is keen to support more applications from across Scotland and particularly within urban areas. Groups considering applying should contact the Big Lottery Fund to discuss their idea at advicescotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk or by phoning 0300 123 7110.
Read more at the Big Lottery Fund.
Tags: Citizen, Community, Community-buyout, Islands, Land-Fund, Tourism