05 March 2013
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The Big Lottery Fund Scotland has announced funding of over £3.3 million to benefit projects across Scotland, including community projects on Jura and Lewis. ...
The Big Lottery Fund Scotland has announced funding of over £3.3 million to benefit projects across Scotland, including community projects on Jura and Lewis. The two island communities will share £887,805 of funding to refurbish the Jura Stores, a historic shop on the island of Jura which has served the island for over a century, and create a 24-hour fuel facility on the Isle of Lewis, whose residents are up to twenty miles away from a petrol station at present.
Isle of Jura Development Trust
The Isle of Jura Development Trust will use their £653,225 to purchase and redevelop the island's only convenience store and post office, which was built in 1850 and is classed as a Listed Building.
The shop was put on the market last August and with no forthcoming buyers the potential closure of the store prompted the Community Purchase of Jura Stores project. John Potts, Chairman of the Jura Development Fund, said: 'We're delighted to receive the funding needed to make this project a reality. The grant from Big Lottery Fund Scotland will enable the community to take over ownership of the island's only shop and refurbish it, making it more accessible and giving it a new lease of life.
'The shop will be run for the benefit of the community and, with the ongoing support over the first years, we will be able to grow it into a successful and sustainable business which will provide essential goods and services to the island for years to come. Ownership will not simply "save the shop" but will empower the community; increasing its ability to control and influence events and to become confident to take on other challenges and more resilient to future changes.'
South Lochs fuel project
Residents of South Lochs on the Isle of Lewis will now enjoy access to 24 hour fuel. A grant of £234,680 means that Co Chomunn Na Pairc can develop and install a fuel storage tank and pump next to Ravenspoint. A former school building, Ravenspoint in Kershader is owned by Co Chomunn Na Pairc and houses a community shop, cafe, hostel and visitor attraction.
John Randall, Chairman of Co-Chomunn na Pairc, said: 'This is tremendous news for our community. A fuel service at Ravenspoint will greatly enhance our facilities, and could have a really transformational effect on how people view the idea of living in this very rural part of Lewis. Easier access to a petrol and diesel pump has emerged as a top strategic priority for the local community if we are to become more sustainable. We are most grateful to Big Lottery Fund Scotland for their support.'
Image copyright Mary & Angus Hogg
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