Community regeneration funds for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh
A total of five projects in Highland Council’s Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh ward are to share Community Regeneration Funds worth £186,794.32.
Today (Monday 3 November) members of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee approved financial support for the following organisations.
- Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust - £63,839.32
- Wester Loch Ewe Trust - £40,000
- Torridon District Community Association - £ 35,000
- Wester Ross Radio - £30,000
- Applecross Community Company - £17,955.
Committee co-chair Councillor Biz Campbell said: “These projects will help improve facilities and local services at the very heart of our communities – they are very worthy of the funding.
“We are delighted to approve these funds, which will make a big difference to people living and working in our ward.”
Committee co- chair Councillor Liz Kraft added: “The projects benefitting from this funding have many positive impacts - from supporting efforts to address the causes of rural depopulation, to economic recovery and tackling the climate emergency.
“In various ways the money will be used to increase community resilience, boost economic growth and tackle poverty and inequality.
“We are pleased to approve these funds, which will deliver significant community benefits across the ward.”
About the projects
KLCT is seeking support to deliver phase one of a three-phase upgrade to the only public toilets, showers, and launderette in Kyle of Lochalsh.
These facilities are vital for both the local community and the 70,000+ visitors who use them annually, including tour groups, ferry passengers, train users, and passing motorists on route to Skye.
During July 2024, the facility suffered from flooding damage due to leaks in the roof. Temporary repairs have been undertaken, but a full roof replacement is required, alongside other works to secure, refurbish and improve the operating efficiency of the facility.
The £63,839.32 grant will help address the highest priorities of the roof to prevent leaks and roller shutters to improve security and the health and safety of the staff operating the facility.
Wester Loch Ewe Trust are to receive £40,000 towards the £ 177,400 cost of a community land acquisition near Poolewe.
The land will subsequently be used for community benefit projects such as affordable housing; medical emergency helipad; campervan aire; community woodland and grazing land for the benefit of local crofters.
A grant of £35,000 for Torridon District Community Association (TDCA) will go towards the £150,000 project cost for Loch Torridon Community Centre Improvements
The centre needs some refurbishment to improve the building’s efficiency and reduce increasing maintenance and energy costs.
The proposals include replacement windows and doors, solar panels and battery storage, LED lighting upgrades and a commercial kitchen.
Wester Ross Radio will receive £30,000 towards the £55,000 project cost of much needed community station refurbishments at Gairloch and Ullapool. In Gairloch, the studio equipment is nearly 30 years old, far beyond its intended lifespan.
In Ullapool the building has been closed and needs reopening, upgrading and new equipment.
Without immediate investment, the station would face the prospect of being unable to broadcast to communities that rely on it for connection, information, and engagement.
This project is about much more than technology, but about keeping communities connected, giving people a voice, and creating opportunities.
Applecross Community Company will use the £17,955.00 to fund four engineering and environmental surveys that are required for the successful implementation of the Sustainable Living in Applecross project.
The community company has already secured funding of £219,000 for the RIBA design and development stages of their project, which includes affordable home sand business units. However, their architect and engineers have identified essential surveys that will be required to satisfy statutory bodies as planning consultees.
The overall aim of the Sustainable Living in Applecross project is to attract and retain economically active households, young families and key workers, helping Applecross to retain a viable population which will support the nursery and primary school rolls and continuation of core public services.
Meanwhile, members noted the following Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward Discretionary Fund applications have also been approved from 1 June – 30 September 2025:
- Artic Convoy Museum - Space to Curate - £2,000
- CFINE – (Community Food Initiatives North East) Fairshare in Highland - £693
The full meeting reports can be read here: https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5244/wester_ross_strathpeffer_and_lochalsh_committee/attachment/85806
Notes to editors
• Community Regeneration Funding is an umbrella term for a number of funds that are available for communities and organisations to access in Highland.
• It currently comprises elements of the Highland Coastal Communities Fund (HCCF) and the Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), both of which are Scottish Government Funding streams to support economic regeneration and sustainable development in Highland.
• Area Committees are awarded devolved allocations, according to approved formulae and decision making, on which projects should receive funding sits with elected Members.
• The CRF allocation for The Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh area totalled £555,393 for 2025-26.