Our Newsletter…
is in the pipeline but in the meantime, here’s the latest from CCDC
Achiltibuie Schoolhouse
Still empty… but we had an excellent response to our petition. We asked the community if they were in support of surveying the schoolhouse with a view to possible community ownership. We now have at least the 20% support required to seek funding for the next step which is undertaking a structural survey. Highland Council may be able to transfer the building to us – providing we can prove that they don’t need it anymore and that we can put it to do good use. Current possibilities include a community-owned family home, conversion to flats, a flat and work/office space …or indeed, a schoolhouse! Any of these would be a great asset to the community but whatever happens it’s clear the house needs work and improvements to bring it up to modern standards.
Acheninver Youth Hostel
The Youth Hostel will see another season under the management of Scottish Youth Hostel Association but its future after that looks unsure. We continue to discuss future arrangements with owners Scottish Wildlife Trust and the SYHA. Is it practical to run as a community- owned hostel? Do we have the resources? Could we make it work? All these remain questions and as yet we don’t have answers! We know people in the community are concerned about the hostel which has been bringing visitors from all over the world since it opened in the 1930’s. Does today’s visitor require more sophisticated accommodation? Or is there a market for staying in basic accommodation? It is in a spectacular location and we’re sure someone, somewhere would just love to come and run it! Join the debate on our Facebook page: Coigach Community Development Company or email us.info@coigachcommunity.org.uk
High Speed Broadband Coverage
The high-speed, fibre-optic network is expanding. The cities have it, it’s coming soon to towns, a little later to some rural areas, later still to others and there are some places that it doesn’t look like it’s going to reach. Guess where? We are looking at options and seeking advice so that Coigach doesn’t miss out. Access to speedy, efficient broadband is now (or certainly will be) essential for most businesses and evidence shows it influences people’s choice of where to live and work. It’s particularly relevant here where so many people work from home, are self-employed or live some distance from services, customers and suppliers.
Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape
New staffing news include the appointment of Coigach’s own Richard Willliams as CALL Development Manager, while the new Assistant Development Manager post will be shared by Fiona Saywell and Elaine MacAskill from Assynt.
Keep up with project plans, what’s on and volunteering news on the CALL Website coigach-assynt.org/latest-news/
And something for the weekend.. Culag Wild Wood Weekend: Friday 9th May: 6.30pm Barbeque, 7.30pm Activities for all, 8.30pm Music round the bonfire. For further details please contact fiona@culagwoods.org.uk phone 01571 844 368 Food, drinks, camping … all welcome. First burger & drink provided then BYO drink and food to barbeque. wild woods ccwt poster
Badentarbet Pier and Old Dornie
Following the release of the report we commissioned from Wallace Stone which confirmed that Badentarbet Pier is in a poor state of repair, Coigach Community Council (CCC) made an open invitation to discuss the matter at their meeting on 10th Februrary. The report highlighted the problems but also made recommendations for potential improvements and work required. Following the meeting, a new Piers and Harbours Users Group was formed and is currently working under the auspices of the CCC addressing the issues raised.
Achiltibuie Smokehouse
Development Officer Peter Muir is working on improvements to the building and CCDC Staff will soon be moving into the the smokehouse office – where you can visit! Once the phone line is installed we’ll post the new number here on the website but for the time being we can be contacted via our new email addresses:
For general enquires please contact: info@coigachcommunity.org.uk
Local Development Officers:
Anne Campbell anne@coigachcommunity.org.uk
Julia Campbell julia@coigachcommunity.org.uk
And remember, if you are looking for a covered (clean-ish) space to work in the short term, the smokehouse is available – at no charge. Once we’re installed it should be easier to pop in – but do get in touch if you would like to use space in the smokehouse for work or projects.
Ahoy There!
Coigach Coastal Rowing Regatta takes place Friday 16th/ Saturday 17th May. St Ayles’ Rowing Skiffs from all over Scotland will be here for a weekend of maritime fun and competition with our own boats; the Coigach Lass and the Lily-Rose. On Friday 16th May there is an open screening of artist Neville Gabie’s film AFLOAT which documents the building, launch and activities of the Coigach skiffs. AFLOAT will be shown at 7pm in Coigach Community Hall. All welcome. For further details click on Coigach Coastal Rowing and for information about Neville Gabie’s film click: AFLOAT .
For accommodation visit Achiltibuie Tourist Association’s website www.coigach.com for camping contact Port a Bhaigh Campsite (opposite the Fuaran Bar).
Renewable News
CCDC and subsiduary companies Ben Mor Hydro and Coigach Wind Power Ltd were recently shortlisted for a FReSh Award in early May. FReSh (Fintry Renewable Energy Show) is an exciting annual event, which showcases a wide variety of community initiatives including innovative ideas for transport, food, housing; inspirational speakers and lots of informative events, stalls and activities. A great weekend all round (but we couldn’t go) – to see what we missed click here! FReSh And congratulations to Callander Community Hydro who won the award!
A Night to Remember
Tuesday 3rd June 2014, Coigach Community Hall, Achiltibuie BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA are back!
The Budapest Café Orchestra play powerful and driving folk-based music from Eastern Europe inspired by the music of European gypsies. The richness and dynamism of Balkan music is on display here in all its untamable glory.
Tickets on sale at the door. Further info here: Budapest Cafe Orchestra
And for other nights to remember.. ceilidhs, concerts and other goings on click here What’s On in Coigach
Coigach Gathering 2014: Saturday 5 July, Badentarbet Green.