Work starts this week on an energy efficient business centre for Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust) which is supported by HIE.

The £850,000 development is also part funded by the Big Lottery's Community Assets programme and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and will include a new office for the trust as well as storage for the estate records and croft archive.

Meeting spaces will be available for community groups in the area and a specific area for crofters' markets will give producers the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer.

The centre will boast its own wind turbine, electric car with charging point and provide a much needed service for visitors and the community.

Local contractors Alex Murray Construction will build the multifunctional centre which aims to become a hub for business activity within the fragile area.

The 56,000 acre estate includes the 20 crofting townships, from Port of Ness to Upper Barvas with a population of around 3,000. In January 2007 the community took ownership of one of the biggest estates in the Outer Hebrides which was made possible with funding from HIE and the Big Lottery Fund's Scottish Land Fund as well as money raised from the community.

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Lisa Maclean was recently appointed as the trust's Commercial Development Manager. This post which is supported by HIE will progress a number of initiatives including the new building, a camping site and a wind turbine development.

HIE's Head of Communities in the Outer Hebrides, Jane Macintosh, said: "Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn is now another step closer to realising its ambition of a sustainable future, with work commencing this week on the new building. Further ambitious developments are underway including promotion of tourism and environmental improvements to provide real benefits to both the community and the estate.

"The area faces challenges, but is showing signs of positive change and an upturn in population. The trust aims to continue to encourage this growth and the business centre will provide sufficient revenue to fund future projects."

Agnes Rennie, chair of the Urras Board of Directors, said: "We are delighted that a local firm has started work on the new facility. The building is located in the village of Galson and will be central to all parts of the trust area. The community has great potential and we hope the new business centre and support from our staff will provide an added incentive for economic development in the area. We have been keen from the outset to work with partners to realise that potential and the new centre will mark a significant milestone in that regard."

The business centre has been possible with support from various organisations including BIG Lottery Fund, HIE, Leader, Community Energy Scotland, Climate Challenge Fund, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.