The Scottish Land Fund has today announced grants totalling £1,453,569 to ten community projects across Scotland, empowering local groups to take ownership of vital land and buildings. Funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), these awards aim to create vibrant community spaces and support local economies.

Among the successful recipients:

• Glenuig Community Inn Limited in Lochaber received £352,800 to purchase the Glenuig Inn and associated buildings, which it has been leasing. The group will continue to run and develop the site as a community hub, restaurant, and accommodation, creating an inclusive events space.

• Friends of Fearn Abbey were awarded £93,600 to reopen the former Church of Scotland building in Tain as a venue for social gatherings, performances, and life events. The abbey is one of the country's oldest pre-reformation churches.

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• Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust secured £92,239 to acquire the village shop and a store building on Glenelg's main street, ensuring the retention of this vital community service.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, praised the awards: "Vibrant community spaces are the lifeblood of our towns and villages... The latest awards from the Scottish Land Fund will deliver exactly that; welcoming, reliable facilities offering childcare, recreation and wider opportunities for local people."

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, noted that this round of funding focused on providing groups with the means to secure spaces "where they can come together as communities... forging social ties and helping to meet local needs."

Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at HIE, highlighted the long-term benefits: "All these projects will help retain population, attract visitors and create jobs. Ownership will give community groups greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come."

The recipient organisations expressed their delight. Peter Langhorne, Director of Glenuig Community Inn, called the news "just wonderful," while John Scott of Friends of Fearn Abbey stated it would allow their small volunteer group to "turn dreams into reality." Ewan Kerr, Director of Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust, added that the funding secures "a stable and sustainable future for the service we all rely on."