GALE Acquires The Shieling
Introduction
We are pleased to announce that GALE (Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum) has been successful in its purchase of The Shieling. The funds to purchase the building have been sourced from successful applications to the Community Ownership Fund (COF), the Scottish Land Fund (SLF), and a repayable loan from Foundation Scotland. This success comes after almost 2 years of planning, consultation, and project development from our team, and we are incredibly proud of the accomplishment.
Government Backing and Community-led Regeneration
GALE was one of only 17 successful applications across Scotland in this round of awards from the COF – a UK Government grant dedicated to empowering local communities. This achievement, alongside the other successful funding applications, is not only attributable to the potential of the Shieling Community Hub project but also to GALE’s track record and the confidence the funders have in our organisation and its leadership. We are delighted that our dedication and commitment have been recognised at such a high level.
The success of the COF application represents a significant financial boost to the project and also the endorsement and support of the UK Government. This follows the Scottish Government’s backing of the project through the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) grant. The COF grant, combined with our existing SLF grant, has provisioned a substantial amount towards the capital acquisition costs of The Shieling. This backing from both governments demonstrates their commitment to community-led regeneration and their belief in the potential of the project.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove, commented on the importance of community projects saying, “Investing in communities improves lives – whether that’s rebuilding a community centre, rescuing historic pubs and theatres, or upgrading sports facilities used by families every day. These are unique and cherished places, valued by local people of all ages, and we know how much they mean to communities. The Community Ownership Fund is about restoring pride in the places people call home, and I’m delighted to be funding these projects.”
Long-term Benefits and Community Empowerment
The success of our COF, SLF, and Foundation Scotland applications are a significant boost to our confidence in the project’s potential to bring lasting benefits to our community. It affirms our belief that The Shieling has the potential to become a hub of community activity, providing opportunities for social, cultural, and economic development. Securing community ownership, of this asset, will continue to drive benefits for our local economy.
Chair of the GALE Board, Cory Jones said, “We are pleased to announce that GALE has successfully achieved our long-awaited goal of purchasing the Shieling. It has been a journey to reach this point, and naturally, people will be curious about what comes next. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing our plans with everyone through various channels, including an open meeting at the Shieling in late April and updates on our website and social media platforms.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our dedicated staff, volunteers, and members who have shown unwavering support throughout this endeavour. While the closure of the restaurant marks the end of an era, it also presents new opportunities. I firmly believe that in the years to come, the Shieling will blossom into a valuable community asset.”
The Shieling – Where are we Now?
The acquisition of the building marks the beginning of our journey towards a fully functional community hub. To ensure that we have ample time to explore and evaluate a wide range of community ideas put forward during the community consultation, we have allocated a two-year period for this purpose. As part of this effort, we will be hiring a full-time Project Development Officer who will be responsible for overseeing and implementing pilot projects. These projects will serve as a testing ground for various initiatives aimed at enhancing our community hub. Some of the projects we hope to undertake include:
- Community Pub: A gathering place where locals can come together and enjoy a drink in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Local Bakery: We have noticed a lack of bread, rolls, and croissants being produced by local businesses. By establishing a bakery, we can provide a much-needed service and support local suppliers.
- Refillery: A sustainable solution that allows community members to bring their empty containers and refill them with everyday essentials, reducing packaging waste and lowering costs.
- Pop-Up Restaurant: Exciting themed evening events that offer unique dining experiences for the community.
- Office Accommodation and Meeting Space: The GALE Centre’s meeting space is already in high demand. By expanding our facilities, we can accommodate more community groups and individuals needing workspace.
- Kitchen Facilities: With a thriving community café, additional kitchen preparation and storage space will greatly enhance our capacity to serve the community.
- Growing Space: Our existing raised beds at The GALE Centre provide fresh produce for the community café and offer valuable learning and volunteering opportunities. Owning The Shieling will allow us to create even more growing space, including a polytunnel to extend the growing season and provide indoor gardening space for volunteers.
This comprehensive approach will enable us to carefully assess the feasibility and impact of each idea as we move forward with the development of our community hub.
This project is an exciting and ever-evolving endeavour, and we want to ensure that you stay informed about its progress. We invite you to sign up for our blog, where we will provide regular updates and insights as the project develops. By subscribing to our blog, you will have the opportunity to be among the first to know about new initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement. We encourage you to get involved and share your ideas on how you would like to see the space used. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our community hub. Together, let’s create a vibrant and inclusive space that meets the diverse needs and aspirations of our community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we are incredibly grateful for the support and funding from the COF, the SLF, Foundation Scotland, and our community. With their backing, we have successfully acquired The Shieling and are excited to embark on our journey towards a fully functional community hub. Thank you to our funders and the community for making this possible. Together, we will create a vibrant space that brings lasting benefits to our community.
