Over £760,000 in Community Regeneration Funding awarded across Sutherland
Local communities across Sutherland are set to benefit from significant investment after Members of The Highland Council’s Sutherland Area Committee approved funding allocations from the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF).
A total of £767,940.11 has been awarded from the £1.09m CRF allocation available to Sutherland for 2025/26.
The funding supports a wide range of initiatives that will strengthen local communities, tackle depopulation, address inequalities, and support sustainable economic recovery.
- Clyne Heritage Society - £100,000: Completion of Brora Heritage Centre with interpretation displays, digital storytelling, and community workshop spaces.
- Elphin, Ledmore and Knockan Community Association - £3,458.77: Installation of infrared panel heaters to improve sustainability of Elphin Community Hall.
- Ardgay Public Hall - £85,353.83: Major upgrades to the building, including roof, fascia, soffits, guttering, fire doors, and vestibule improvements.
- Durness Parish Hall Trustees - £23,500.61: Replacement heating via a ground source heat pump and loft insulation to cut energy use and carbon emissions.
- Go Golspie Development Trust - £55,790: Installation of solar PV panels, battery storage, infrared heating, plus improved disabled access and facilities.
- Scourie Community Development Company - £70,245.70: Works to improve parking, traffic safety, and access to allow for the future development of nine affordable homes in Scourie.
- Assynt Leisure and Community Centre - £31,457.20: Repairs including LED lighting upgrades and replacement of storm-damaged fire exit doors.
- Highland Council – Ardvreck Castle Visitor Facilities - £48,134: New visitor facilities at Ardvreck Castle to support heritage tourism and enhance the visitor experience.
- Communities Housing Trust – Borgie Affordable Housing - £100,000: Development of two affordable homes for rent at Borgie, Skerray, with planning consent and building warrant in place, helping address local housing need and supporting rural repopulation.
In addition, Members agreed to allocate £250,000 towards a Development Officer Support Scheme, enabling community trusts and development companies across Sutherland to bid for support for local development priorities and to deliver on the Area Place Plan.
The Community Regeneration Fund combines the Highland Coastal Communities Fund and the Place Based Investment Programme, both funded by The Scottish Government to support regeneration and sustainable development across the Highlands.
Councillor Richard Gale, Chair of the Sutherland County Committee, said: “This is a significant investment in our communities. The range of projects we have approved reflects the energy and ambition of local groups in Sutherland – from heritage and tourism to community halls, and housing. Together, these projects will strengthen resilience, support sustainability, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
