Over half a million pounds awarded to organisations in the Outer Hebrides from our Community Investment Fund
We are delighted that over the last ten years we have awarded local organisations over half a million pounds since establishing our Community Investment Fund a decade ago.
We set up the Community Investment Fund in October 2014 to invest funds generated from the Ballantrushal wind turbines back into the Galson Estate community. The fund has now awarded nearly £600,000 to 150 projects over the last decade.
We have funded a diverse range of community projects, focusing on skills development, health improvement, poverty relief, environmental conservation, citizen engagement, promotion of local heritage and culture, and growth in industry sectors. The programme also provides valuable advice, training, guidance, and aftercare to support the development and success of various projects.
Organisations which have benefitted over the years include Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Lewis & Harris Youth Pipe Band, Taigh Dhonnchaidh, Hebrides Mountain Rescue, GAIN, Western Isles Games Association, Macaulay College and many others. The very first CIF grant was awarded to Ness Cemetery Association for £1,000 in 2014.
Iain G Macdonald, Ness Cemetery Association, who have just received another award in 2024, ten years after being awarded the very first CIF grant, commented: “CIF funding has helped Ness Cemetery Association to carry out work in the Old Cemetery to make access to Teampall Pheadair easier and safer for people visiting this ancient burial ground where the ‘forefathers of the hamlet sleep’.”
Marie Gillies, Community Investment Officer, commented: “The Community Investment Fund was established to support local initiatives, particularly those which involve care and wellbeing, crofting and land use, tourism and projects which enabled local people to thrive in our community. It is encouraging to see how these projects contribute to making a positive impact on our community, and we are delighted to support these projects when we can.
“Projects we have supported over the last 10 years have helped to improve community facilities, have provided opportunities to improve community wellbeing through a range of events, enabled groups to make trips, allowed organisations to purchase much needed equipment and supported the arts and cultural heritage of Galson Estate.”
“We welcome projects which may help members of the local community live healthier lives; improve access to events or care facilities; provide better tourism facilities, particularly those which harness the unique cultural heritage we have in North Lewis; incorporate collaborative working to improve horticultural facilities; or deliver activities that will attract more people and allow local families to thrive. We encourage people to come and speak to us about we might be able to support their organisation.”
In addition to the Community Investment Fund, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn provides a wide range of social projects, programmes and activities across its area.
Mary Duff, Taigh Dhonnchaidh, which has been successful in applying for several CIF grants, added: “We are very grateful for the funding and are thankful for Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn’s continuous support.”
If you have a project which you think would benefit from the Community Investment Fund, please click here, or contact cif@uogltd.com for more information.
