Coigach Community Development Company is pleased to report the results of the postal ballot on the former Hydroponicum buildings and land:
In response to the question asked: – “Are you in favour of the purchase (subject to funding) of the former Hydroponicum buildings and land by the Coigach Community Development Company, to be managed for the benefit of the community?”,
the result was:
Yes: 148 (91.9% of voters)
No: 12 (7.5% of voters)
There was one spoilt ballot paper.
220 ballot papers were issued, and 161 valid ballot papers were returned, a percentage return of 73.2%. No proxy votes were requested.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to think carefully about this issue, who voted and contributed to such a good turnout and supportive result. Many thanks also to John Bruce and his team at Highland Council, who administered the ballot and counted the returns.
With that fantastic result behind us we’re busy now with the next steps in the process of acquiring the land and putting it to better long-term use for the community – and that includes putting together the business plan, organising a feasibility study, speaking with housing associations, getting quotes for site development and raising the capital we require. The route we’ll likely be taking for raising the funds will see most of it coming from grant and loan, with the loan being re-paid by rental income. Following this route we’ll also have to raise some funds from the community – and we’ve already got well over £1,000 pledged by just a handful of community-minded individuals in just one day.
If you feel you’d like to contribute a donation to this great cause, just speak with any one of the directors or with Peter or Linda.
Keep watching upcoming posts for how the community buyout develops over the coming weeks.