Auchtertool Hub/Pub Update

Scottish Land Fund Announce Latest Awards

The Scottish Government has put out a press release (see below) announcing the latest round of awards - and the exciting news is that the Auchtertool Hub/Pub project is included!

This means that the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) will provide a grant for the purchase of the Tiel, on behalf of the community of Auchtertool. In addition the award includes the costs for the services of a consultant, for a year, to support taking the project forward.

More detailed information will be available at a public meeting scheduled for 7.30pm on Monday 30th September, venue to be confirmed.

However, in the meantime we will continue to get in touch with those individuals who have  expressed an interest in learning more about the project.

If you have not already done so, but are interested in learning more about the project, please feel free to contact our Chair - Dr Pat Carragher at docpat10@hotmail.co.uk.

“BOOST FOR RURAL HOUSING AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS FROM THE SCOTTISH LAND FUND

“The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in April 2021. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary, Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “The Scottish Land Fund is a crucial way that people can have a tangible say in the way that assets in their communities are run.

“It is particularly welcome to see projects supported in our rural and island communities. Their local knowledge is vital in helping us overcome local challenges such as affordable housing in rural areas.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the successful groups and I look forward to seeing the benefits these projects will bring.”

Dr Pat Carragher, Chair, Auchtertool Community Trust, which has received £125,170 to buy the former pub building in the Fife village, said: “The news of a grant from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the Tiel and create a village hub incorporating a cafe, shop, pub and restaurant is very exciting and has the potential to be of tremendous benefit to the whole community of Auchtertool.

“The development of a community space in the centre of the village, while a great resource for the residents of Auchtertool, would also encourage visitors and once more make the village a destination for walkers, cyclists and others looking for somewhere outside the local towns.

Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “Once again the Scottish Land Fund is providing transformative funding that allows communities to meet local needs, helping them to accomplish a whole range of vital projects that will help to strengthen the resilience of their villages and neighbourhoods.

And Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “The groups receiving funding have all identified opportunities to help their local area to thrive. The projects are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. Ownership of these assets will give them greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish every successful organisation the very best in their new ventures.”

The full press release, including the complete list of groups receiving funding, is available on the Scottish Land Fund news site.