ELEVEN community ownership projects across Scotland are to split just over £1.5 million of funding, with three groups receiving six-figure sums.
The Scottish Land Fund has awarded £390,000 to a community development company on Colonsay – allowing them to build affordable homes and to create a site for affordable business units. Two areas of land will be bought as part of the project.
Caitlin McNeill, the company’s director, said: “Having been born and raised on the island, I’ve grown up watching volunteers working hard to sustain and protect the island for the likes of myself and my brother.
"Had it not been for a community-led social housing project nearly 20 years ago, it is unlikely that we would have had the opportunity to stay here as kids.
“We know first hand the difference projects like this make.”
£292,481 has been awarded to Tullibody Community Development Trust for the purchase of the town’s community centre, while Carbost Community Shop on Skye received a grant of £177,500 to allow residents to purchase a property close to the Talisker distillery.
Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said: “The Scottish Land Fund continues to support a wide range of projects and these most recent awards – from woodlands to shops and from community centres to housing – demonstrate the quality and variety of community projects across Scotland.”
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