Community projects in the Skye and Raasay area will benefit from more than £70,000 of Community Regeneration Funding (CRF), following decisions made on Monday, 16 February.
Financial support for the following organisations was approved:
South Skye Mens' Shed - £45,918.58
- Support for the South Skye Men’s Shed will fund essential structural repairs to the roof on the ex-Church of Scotland Hall in Broadford, which the group recently purchased.
- The works will ensure the building remains safe, secure, and low maintenance, protecting a vital space for all adult men in the area to connect, share skills, improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
- This is the first phase of a project to renovate the building. Future internal improvements are planned and Mens' Shed members will be directly involved in carrying out some of the works and building improvements.
Counselling Care: Skye & Lochalsh (CCSL) - £24,700
- Counselling Care Skye & Lochalsh will use the funds to recruit a part-time Development Officer to help secure the long-term sustainability and capacity of the organisation.
- The role aims to increase the organisation's resilience and to grow the capacity of the service in what is now an increasingly challenging funding environment.
- The post will present an opportunity to build long-term sustainability for the organisation's core activity which is early mental health interventions.
Cllr John Finlayson, chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to approve these funds for two locally led organisations which are making a real difference in their communities – notably supporting young people with caring responsibilities and the key issues of social isolation and mental health.
“The South Skye Men’s Shed is addressing a critical local need to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing among men in the area. CCSL is also experiencing growing numbers of people needing support for their vitally important service.
“Providing resources for local groups who support different community members comprising both young and older residents can provide the ability to develop early intervention strategies that ensure the lives of people in our communities are made better.”
Meanwhile, the Committee also noted the following Ward 10 Discretionary Budget applications approved since the last meeting of the Committee.
- Braes Village Hall - External Wall Repairs, £3,000
- Portree & Braes Community Trust - Speak up for Gaelic Project, £1,000.
Members also moved to agree to allocate £39,868.16 from the Scottish Government’s play park renewal fund for improved facilities at Uig play park.