Scottish Land Fund provides affordable housing boost for Orkney

A total of £367,915 been awarded to two separate affordable housing projects on Orkney in the latest round of grants from the Scottish Land Fund.Stronsay Development Trust has been awarded £130,790 with which to purchase a three-bedroom house, which it intends to make available for affordable rent. And Shapinsay Development Trust has received £237,125 that will allow it to buy two properties, also for affordable rent.The groups are amongst 16 in Scotland sharing £3,669,762.Other projects receiving Scottish Land Fund cash are:Newcastleton & District Community TrustAward – £850,000This money will allow NDCT in its bid to purchase 750 acres of Langholm Moor, part of the Tarras Water and Holm Hill estate, in order to develop new leisure facilities and renewable assets.Colonsay Community Development CompanyAward – £214,000The award will allow CCDC to purchase a former Baptist manse, which it plans to develop into temporary accommodation for key orders and families on the island.Dunnet Forestry TrustAward – £45,950Dunnet Forestry Trust plans to purchase 260 acres of forest, which it currently manages on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage, in order to add to a successful wood fuel and wood products business by developing a community amenity for the Dunnet area.Kyleakin Connections (formerly Skye and Lochalsh Association for Disability)Award – £24,580This funding will enable Kyleakin Connections, which provides a day centre for adults with learning difficulties, to purchase its current home in the Old School House, Kyleakin from Highland Council so that it can expand and develop the premises.South Islay DevelopmentAward – £110,200With this money SID will be in a position to purchase Port Ellen Playing Fields, which the group plans to upgrade into an activity park and campsite.The Langholm InitiativeAward – £1,000,000This money will go towards plans by the Langholm Initiative to turn a large area of Langholm Moor in Dumfries & Galloway into a community-owned nature reserve where Hen harriers, one of the country’s most threatened birds, can thrive.The Ballantrae TrustAward – £262,493This grant will allow Ballantrae Trust to purchase the Kings Arms Hotel in order to run it as a community-led social enterprise, offering flexible spaces for locals and visitors.Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community GroupAward – £190,690Using this grant, CCCG will acquire Coatbridge Indoor Bowling Stadium in order to renovate and extend in order to better meet the needs of the community.Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC)Award – £216,411This project by the Dornoch Area Community Interest Company will acquire the former Abattoir Site in the heart of Dornoch in order to establish community facilities, including a community centre with curling barn, car/coach parking, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), and a golf driving range.Strathglass and Affric Community CompanyAward – £38,588Strathglass and Affric Community Company (SACC) intend to purchase a former nurse’s home in Cannich and develop it into two homes for social rent.All Roads lead to Whithorn TrustAward- £110,635This group will purchase the former Grapes Hotel in Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway to convert it into affordable rented housing.Friends of Dundonald CastleAward – £29,000With this grant FoDC aims to acquire Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre, which it currently operates, from South Ayrshire Council and develop it to provide a new community facility.North Ronaldsay TrustAward – £159,400The Trust will use the award to acquire a house, garage with a workshop, shop, outbuildings and eight acres of agricultural land in order to convert them into a community facility, enterprise hub, commercial use and affordable housing.The Ridge SCIOAward – £49,900With this grant The Ridge SCIO will purchase land and buildings at Black Bull Close, Dunbar to develop a space for community service, including training, volunteering and gardening.