Introduction
We are absolutely thrilled to share some fantastic news. GALE, has secured a grant offer from the Scottish Land Fund for use towards the purchase of The Shieling. The award is divided into two parts: one part is a contribution towards the acquisition costs of The Shieling and the other is to cover some initial staffing costs associated with the project.
GALE Managing Director, Janet Miles, said “We are thrilled to receive this grant offer, as it symbolises an exciting milestone in a very challenging journey. The outpouring of support from numerous local individuals and partner organisations has been overwhelming. Everyone at GALE extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have provided letters of support, offered assistance, made donations, and continuously shared words of encouragement during every hurdle we’ve faced. This grant is a testament to the collective effort and unwavering commitment of our members and supporters, and we are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions.”
This exciting news is another massive step towards owning the Shieling, but it’s crucial to note that this doesn’t automatically transfer the ownership of The Shieling to GALE. There are still several steps we need to follow, including navigating through the complex labyrinth of conveyancing legalities.
Community Land and Asset Ownership
Community land and asset ownership is a relatively new concept in Scotland, but it has already started to bring about significant benefits for local communities. The idea is simple: instead of private individuals or companies owning land and assets, communities take ownership of them and manage them for the benefit of everyone who lives there.
We are already doing this in The GALE Centre which has been in community ownership since it was built in 2012. Like many community owned assets The GALE Centre helps to anchor wealth in our community, creating jobs and economic opportunities as well as meeting social and wellbeing needs. Our neighbour, Gairloch Heritage Museum, is also community owned and so GALE’s ownership of the Shieling would close the gap along this roadside strip and create a corridor of community owned buildings/assets. The success of this corridor is itself evidence that community ownership can drive sustained and successful regeneration
Collective Action
We’re thrilled to share this recent success with you and cannot thank you enough for the support you’ve given us throughout this process. However, our journey doesn’t end here. As we move forward with the purchase of The Shieling, we are reminded that our work continues and our mission remains unchanged. Therefore, we humbly ask for your continued support in our endeavours.
If you’re in a position to do so, we would welcome financial donations to further our efforts. Volunteering your time and skills is also an invaluable way to contribute to our work. Alternatively, by simply choosing to use The GALE Centre, you’re not only showing your support and encouraging our team but you’re also directly benefiting from its resources and helping to sustain our shared community.
We believe in the power of collective action and with your help, we can continue to make a real difference. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our work. Together, we can shape the future of GALE, The Shieling and our community.
The Scottish Land Fund
The Scottish Land Fund supports rural and urban communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets. Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Scottish Land Fund offers grants of up to £1 million to help communities take ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them, as well as practical support to develop their aspirations into viable projects.
Conclusion
Community land and asset ownership has already brought about significant benefits for our local communities. The addition of The Shieling would provide further opportunities to create local jobs and support local businesses, and build a more resilient and sustainable local economy.
