Funding has been secured to develop a new community facility in Kiltarlity, the Highlands.

Up to £129,369 has been awarded to Lovat Shinty Club from the Highland LEADER Programme, which will kickstart the construction of a new sports and recreational pavilion for the village.

John MacRitchie, Chair of Lovat Shinty Club said the current pavilion has fallen into disrepair and it no longer fit for purpose.

"The new pavilion will allow us to accommodate additional members, host more shinty games/community events and increase the coaching opportunities we offer school children," he said.

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"The pavilion won't just be for shinty related activities. In developing the project, we consulted with members of the community about gaps in services and activities currently available locally.  The Club has also spoken to a number of agencies, businesses and community groups about possible usage of the building. We aim to address the gaps in current provision by providing a hub for all members of the community to use and to access a range of services/activities."

David Godden, Chair of the Local Area Partnership, which is responsible for delivering the LEADER Programme in Nairnshire and Rural Inverness said: "LEADER aims to promote economic and community development within rural areas and is a great source of match-funding to enable a wide range of projects to be delivered.

"The Local Area Partnership was impressed with the application from Lovat Shinty Club and the plans for the wider usage of the building. We are delighted the Club can proceed with building this much needed community facility now that all funding is in place."

(LM/MH)