£345,663 funding win for community-owned Poolewe business park

Loch Ewe Community Enterprise (LECE) has been awarded a £345,663 grant from the Scottish Land Fund to bring the former Bac Dubh builders yard in Poolewe into community ownership.

The government funding has been hailed as "a major milestone" for the local social enterprise as it brings the proposed purchase of the former builders yard significantly closer to becoming a reality.

LECE plan to bring the disused 2 acre site back into use. It will be renamed as the Poolewe Community Business Park, and LECE hope to create a community-owned business and employment centre that will provide affordable premises for local enterprises, support new and expanding businesses, encourage inward investment and create opportunities for employment, training and enterprise in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the Trustees, Chair James Struthers said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported the project so far. This includes those who have demonstrated their commitment by becoming shareholding members of Loch Ewe Community Enterprise, the trustees who have voluntarily contributed their time, knowledge and experience, and the many members of the community who have sent messages of encouragement and support.

"We are also extremely grateful to our local community councils, development trusts and elected representatives, all of whom have recognised the potential of the project and supported its aims."

The award comprises £313,445 in capital funding towards the purchase of the property, including associated legal and other necessary acquisition expenses, together with £32,100 in revenue funding to support the development and delivery of the project.

According to sales documentation for the site, there is 8,411 sq ft of commercial space, split into a mixture of offices, workshop space and staff accommodation. There is also a large yard.

James added: "There is still a considerable amount of work ahead. The acquisition must now proceed through negotiation, legal work, due diligence and the other necessary stages before it can be completed. Detailed plans for the building, prospective tenants and its long-term operation will also continue to be developed.

"However, this Scottish Land Fund award provides the project with a strong financial foundation and makes the outcomes we have been working towards very achievable.

"We look forward to keeping the community informed as the project progresses and to working with our members, partners and supporters to turn Bac Dubh into a successful and sustainable driver of local economic growth."