16 community projects in running for share of £537,000 in funding considered by Black Isle and Easter Ross area committee

Black Isle and Easter Ross projects in the running for a share of the Community Regeneration Fund will be considered at a Highland Council area committee.

With a total funding available of £537,000, 16 project proposals from local charities and organisations are in the running. Positive news is that the total value of all grant requests comes to £511,220, meaning all funding proposals could potentially be filled.

The funding partially comes from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, along with the Highland Coastal Communities Fund, and the Place Based Investment Programme.

Members of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee will consider the applications at their meeting on January 22, where members will agree whether to approve, defer or reject applications.

See also: Black Isle and Easter Ross area committees are merged

They include:

Cromarty and Resolis Film Society

The film society has applied for £35,000 in funding to improve accessibility at the cinema. This will mean improving physical facilities such as parking, signage and internal safety barriers, as well as improving acessibility and safety for cinema users and community visitors.

Fearn Amenities (SCIO), purchase of Fearn Abbey

Fearn Amenities is looking to purchase the local abbey with a proposed funding grant of £20,640, after locals expressed deep concern about the abbey being sold off. Fearn Abbey - known as The Lamp of the North has its origins in one of Scotland's oldest pre-reformation church buildings.

Tain and Fearn Free Church's new build

Tain and Fearn Free Church are looking to build a new church, and have applied for £46,000 in funding for phase 1 out of 3. Phase 1 would see the demolition of the old existing building.

See also: Tain and Fearn Free Church prayers answered

Enhancements at North Kessock Village Hall

North Kessock Village Hall is looking for a funding grant of £50,000, due to the hall being over 50 years old, with many physical features no longer fit for purpose and in decay. North Kessock Village Hall has warned that the high repair and maintenance costs threaten its financial viability.

See also: Zumba sessions planned for village hall

The Place Youth Club

The Place says that in the last two years their projects have grown much faster than they could have ever anticipated such is the need. The funding request of £42,840 is for one senior youth worker and also for some rental costs to help the club meet the demand as numbers have doubled.

See also: Stranded youths make it make after memorable A9 adventure

View the full list of funding applications for the Community Regeneration Fund here.

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