Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has welcomed the announcement that nine community projects across the region are among eleven in Scotland to benefit from the latest round of Scottish Land Fund (SLF) approvals.

The SLF is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and HIE.

The latest round of SLF approvals across Scotland, announced this week, during Community Land Week, total £1,968,921.

Plockton & District Community Trust received £90,459 to acquire the Old Post Office in Plockton, Lochalsh. The group will continue to provide community services while developing the building as a multi-use community space.

Alasdair Mackenzie, Vice Chairman, Plockton & District Community Trust, said: "We are delighted to secure SLF support to bring this much-loved building in the heart of our village into community ownership. We're a new organisation and this is our first asset, so it's a real boost for us. There has been informal use of the building for over 20yrs, but this purchase safeguards it for the community. We can now press on with our plans to improve the fabric of the building. Without SLF support none of this would be possible.

The Grantown Society in Grantown-On-Spey was awarded £118,663 to allow them to purchase the former SSE Hydro building in the town and turn it into a multi-use resource hub and visitors' centre.

Bill Sadler, Chairman, The Grantown Society, said: "Grantown's No 2 High Street, latterly SSE Hydro Shop, which has lain empty for over seven years, was once a thriving grocer's shop, situated on what became known as ‘Rimmington's Corner'- a favourite meeting place for locals. Now, with thanks to the SLF, we can bring it back to life as a warm and welcoming community resource hub with rentable ‘pop-up' retail space, community information, an ATM and gigabit Wifi with available desk space."

Broadford and Strath Community Company will use their £95,700 award to purchase a commercial unit located in Broadford, Isle of Skye. The group will use this space to provide a multi-use office, workshop and exhibition space which will be used by local businesses and community groups.

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Sunart Community Company received £241,782 to purchase Longrigg Wood (87.6ha) in Strontian, West Lochaber to improve the social, economic, and environmental health and wellbeing of the area.

Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum will acquire The Shieling café and restaurant in Gairloch, Wester Ross after getting £337,724 from SLF for the project. The building will allow GALE to expand on the services they currently offer and will be developed into a community hub.  

Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston Community Company was awarded £104,820 to acquire Glentarff House, Canalside South, Fort Augustus. They will then carry out a refurbishment and reconfiguration, creating affordable housing units.

Two projects in Orkney are being supported. Hoy Youth Hub will use their award of £93,802 to acquire St Columba's Church in Longhope, Hoy. The building will be developed into a Youth Hub, which will provide the islands only dedicated space for young people. The asset will also be used as a community space for various groups to use. Friends of Sanday Kirk Ltd's award of £83,730 will enable them to purchase the Cross Kirk in Sanday. The group will use the building as a multi-use community facility to provide a range of community support activities and services which focus on wellbeing, arts and a community meeting space. 

Whalsay Kirk Development Company received £81,265. They will acquire Whalsay Kirk, in Shetland with the intention of repurposing the vacant building as a multi-purpose space that will include a visitor centre, art and crafts exhibition space with options for workshops, events and pop-up shops.

Douglas Cowan, director of communities and place at HIE, said: "These successful projects are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. All these projects announced today will help to deliver local community priorities. Ownership will give them greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish all the successful community organisations the very best in their new ventures."

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: "Many people and community organisations know exactly what their local areas need but may lack the funding to make their visions a reality. This is why the Scottish Land Fund is so important. It allows community groups to realise their goals and unlock the full power of community actions. It is a prime example of our plans to ensure that Scotland's land is used in a way that benefits everyone. I want to congratulate the latest recipients. I know that their projects will prove hugely beneficial to their respective communities. I also want to encourage any other organisations who may be eligible to apply to the Scottish Land Fund."

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: "The groups receiving funding today have all clearly identified opportunities to help their locality to thrive. By establishing new or securing existing shops, work spaces, social hubs and leisure facilities they are helping their communities become more cohesive and sustainable places to live."

Other groups receiving funding in Scotland are:

Resonate Together Carsebridge Cultural Campus, which was awarded £295,822 to acquire The Ochil & Harvey House buildings on the Carsebridge site, in Alloa, Clackmannanshire and renovate as a community hub with a community garden and café, providing space to socialise, learn new skills and volunteer.

Great Western Community Trust in Aberdeen has received £425,154 to purchase Holburn West Church and manage it as a community venue that will host a wide range of groups and activities.