When we discussed all the things we’re doing at our last Trustee meeting, we realised there really has been quite a burst of activity this past year or so. Much of it though, like the swan paddling fiercely under the water, has not been very visible to other people, so here’s a bit of an update.
Extending the Trust area into Kilmorack
Firstly, we had all the paperwork necessary to extend our area to cover Kilmorack. And as I’m sure everyone appreciates submitting paperwork to regulators, in this case OSCR, is never easy, so hats off to our Secretary Joan for pursuing it to its conclusion!
Land Transfer
Then we had the ongoing challenge of transferring ownership of a piece of land at the back of the Phipps Institute with the ambition to improve facilities serving Beauly and the wider area.
The land, which was previously gifted to the Beauly Sports Association by Lovat Estates, is being transferred to Beauly & Kilmorack Community Trust and Beauly Shinty Club. This was agreed at a public meeting held to decide the future of the site. It currently houses a now derelict rifle range and sports club, temporary units for the Beauly Men’s Shed and some storage containers for the Gala and the Christmas Lights.
It’s been so long since the land was initially gifted to the Sports Association we needed to draw up new maps for the Land Register and make sure we agreed all the boundaries, before the lawyers could do the legal work. The shinty pavilion sits on some of the Sports Association land so we needed to be really clear on what was being transferred to us and what was going to Beauly Shinty Club.
Now we’ve got the legal parts sorted out we hope we can start to tidy up the land a bit – and most importantly get the derelict buildings demolished. They’re dangerous – kids are jumping up on the roof and there could a horrible accident – and they’re also a real eyesore in what is the main footpath through from Braeview Park to the centre of the village. It’s hardly a welcome to Beauly for any visitors!
Work has also been underway to determine the future use of the land, as well as some other buildings in the future. The Trust’s Action Plan – drawn up following an extensive consultation -had highlighted the need for more public and community spaces in the village. People are particularly keen to see a replacement men’s shed, places and services for young people, childcare facilities and spaces for sports and leisure – both indoor and outdoor.
Options for Community Spaces
Consultants working for the Trust recently put out a survey to consult on how we might achieve this – looking at options including a new build, better use of the Phipps Institute and community facilities at the new primary school. They will now analyse the findings and we hope to have a feasibility study completed by the Autumn which will suggest a way forward and identify potential funders. A main focus for us has been to ensure that any new or repurposed buildings would have sufficient revenue streams to make them sustainable in the long term.
It all takes time, but having a Feasibility Study conducted by a third party will greatly enhance our chances of getting funding from various bodies.
Kilmorack Drop In Session
The Trust also recently began a consultation in the Kilmorack Area, with the results of a community survey displayed at a Drop In Session at Kilmorack Hall. This has helped to identify priorities for improved facilities and services within the Kilmorack area.
We already have some great ideas coming forward but as always, whether they happen or not will depend on what people see as priorities. And it also depends on whether people are prepared to help with projects. The Trust is just a vehicle for applying for funding and it needs individuals or groups to take some of these projects forward. So if you think you can help please get in touch.