Six community projects across the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £965,807 from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF), enabling them to pursue various initiatives aimed at benefiting their local areas. The funding will support projects ranging from the creation of community hubs to the development of affordable housing and woodland crofts.

Among the recipients:

• Cairnbaan Community Trust: Received £134,796 to purchase two buildings in Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll, for redevelopment into a community hub.

• Lismore Community Trust: Awarded £83,596 to acquire land in Achnacroish for the development of two affordable rental homes.

• Raasay Development Trust: Secured £137,000 to purchase two terrace houses in Inverarish, Isle of Raasay, for affordable housing.

• Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust: Granted £166,720 to purchase land in Ratagan and Saraig, Lochalsh, for woodland crofts, business units, a community growing space, and a campsite.

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• Friends of Portnahaven Church: Received £85,990 to acquire Portnahaven church on Islay and convert it into a community space.

Additionally, South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust in Orkney was awarded £357,705 to purchase The Tomb of the Eagles Visitor Centre.

The Scottish Land Fund, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), supports community ownership of local assets.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, highlighted the impact of the fund: "These latest groups to share the funding show the incredible mix of how this support can be used to offer social, sporting and wellness spaces and support the development of much-needed affordable housing options."

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, emphasised the diverse benefits of community ownership: "These grants reflect the inspiring diversity of projects that community ownership can help to deliver in both urban and rural areas. With their awards, these groups will be able to deliver projects with direct benefits to their communities, as well as positive cultural, social and economic impacts for Scotland as a whole."

Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, added: "All these projects announced today will help retain the population, attract visitors and create jobs.

"Ownership will give the community groups greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come."