Lochgoilhead Hub Funding Update

On 20th December, after two years of work, the Hub steering group met with the Big Lottery. We knew, going into the meeting, that there had been over 400 applications and that only around 10 successful projects could be funded – in fact, we did well to be considered for an interview. Sadly, in spite of a very positive meeting, the project did not meet the criteria required to secure funding from this particular pot.

The specific requirement of projects funded by the Big Lottery Community Assets Fund, (to which we applied), is to ‘address disadvantage and inequality while being people led, strength based and connected’. From what we know, funding has been granted to a number of deserving projects across the region, with a real focus on helping disadvantaged people.

As a group we know that a successful project must stand close scrutiny, and believe it will be all the better for that. This is not the end, just part of the journey, and the steering group intend to look for other funding opportunities, and continue to engage with the community to help deliver the things our community, and visitors, have said will make Loch Goil an even better place to live in and visit. Make sure to look out for events and opportunities and be involved with the next Action Plan, which will help determine how the project develops in 2017.

At this time we would like to acknowledge and thank the Rifle Club. Their donation of the site at the entrance to the village was the catalyst that allowed us to move forward. The location has real strengths and the size of the plot and river outlook has fantastic potential: this alone provided the opportunity to put in place a multi-functional community development, addressing all sorts of needs and opening up possibilities for making the project financially viable. It allows room for growth. This is not pie in the sky: field visits have been made and research carried out on other similar and wholly successful community projects in Scotland. Your ideas and feedback determined the overall proposal, which was deemed very feasible by the appointed consultants, who will continue to support us in progressing forward. We received enthusiastic support for the project from the National Park’s planning representatives. Funders recognised that the site was a rare gift to the community. There is no reason to take the view that, ‘it could not work here’.

We would like to thank everyone who has attended consultations, provided feedback and given their support throughout this process. The facts are there is a missing link in our community. We believe it is not beyond a village such as ours to come together and deliver a community coffee and craft shop with a community garden and much more: a space where we can work, learn and socialise together, as well as provide a warm welcome for visitors.

Together we can make sure we achieve the project our community deserves, and we very much look forward to working with everyone to make it a reality. Please keep an eye on the Hub blog, goilhub.com for more news from us, and reply to this email (team@goilhub.com) if you’d like to tell us anything.

The Hub Steering Group