North Lewis Development Plan

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North Lewis

Development Plan

2011 - 2015

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn

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Contents

Introduction

2

Background

3

Main Objectives and Aims

4

Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership

5

Monitoring Progress and Evaluation

6

Development Plan

7

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Introduction

North Lewis has been identified as a ‘fragile area’ through dissemination of its demographics; a long term decline in population, ageing population and a

falling birth rate, results in this classification. Highlands and Islands Enterprise in partnership with LEADER funding have supported the introduction of a

CAM Local Development Officer for the area of North Lewis, through the Community Account Management ‘Growth at the Edge’ programme. The

geographical area covered by this spans from Barvas – Ness, inclusive of the Galson Estate area. The post offers support for community development;

encouraging rural regeneration with the aspiration of creating sustainable future. The post also aims to encourage and assist initiatives at ground level to

help achieve local developmental aspirations.

The North Lewis Community Development Plan is a five year plan based upon the goals set out in the Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG) Strategic Plan,

the UOG Business Plan and a number of different community consultations including a residents survey and a ‘Have your say’ open day. It is comprised of

projects and annual operating objectives compiled by the staff, with support from the Board of UOG, as well as other projects lead by community groups

within the area.

The Development Plan is a working document and will be continually reviewed on an on-going basis. It will act as a key document to allow UOG to plan

activities for the short, medium and long term. The development plan together with the annual operating plan works to ensure key milestones are met and

the longer term outcomes of the Strategic Plan are accomplished.

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Background

Urras Oigreachd Ghabhsainn purchased Galson Estate, comprising of 616 crofts in 22 crofting townships, in the north of the Isle of Lewis in January 2007,

having been awarded funding from the Scottish Land Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Community consultation throughout the process and a

very high level of community support enabled this to happen. The Trust continues to involve the whole community in its decision making process through

regular consultation and communication.

The main priority of the Trust is to promote rural regeneration, for the public benefit, following the principles of sustainable development, which meets the

needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Our overarching vision is to help to build a

sustainable future for the Galson Estate. We will integrate responsible practices throughout everything we do.

Friday the 12th of January 2007 will be remembered as a historic day for the community of Galson Estate. On this day the 56,000 acre estate passed into

community ownership, to be managed on their behalf by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn. The 5th anniversary of the Community Land buy out of the Galson

Estate area is a key milestone which will be celebrated in early 2012.

“B’ann air an là seo 12mh Fhaoilleach 2007 a ghabh muinntir

Oighreachd Ghabhsainn sealbh air an fhearann aca fhèin”

“On this day 12th January 2007 the people of Galson Estate

took ownership of their land”

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Main Objectives & Aims

The main objectives of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn are:

To promote rural regeneration, for the public benefit, following principles of sustainable development, where “sustainable development” means

development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, the development of

the areas of social and economic deprivation within the Galson Estate area of the Isle of Lewis, for the benefit of the Galson Crofting Community by all or

any of the following means:-

i) the relief of poverty in such ways as may be thought fit.

ii) the advancement of education, training or retraining, particularly amongst unemployed people, in providing unemployed people with work

experience and the advancement of education in the benefits of sustainable development.

iii) the provision of housing for those who are in condition of need and the improvement of housing in the public sector and charitable

ownership.

(iv) to develop or alternatively develop through other agencies, the development of the infrastructure and communication links within the

Galson community for the benefit of the general public.

(v) the protection and conservation of the environment

The aims of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn is to:

1.

Demonstrate clear leadership, governance and values

2.

Develop and support development of products and services to support economic regeneration

3.

Nurture our people, through advancement of education and training, ensuring they are inspired to be the best they can be

4.

Build a strong network of partners to support development of infrastructure and communication

5.

Manage resources sustainably to support the protection and conservation of the environment

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Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership

The North Lewis Development Plan will link in with 7 key themes identified locally by the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership. The themes,

listed below, are also linked to National Outcomes and formulate the Single Outcome Agreement.

Local Outcomes

1.

Populations

The populations of the Outer Hebrides are stable with a better balance of age, gender and socio economic groups

2.

Economy

The economy of the Outer Hebrides and the economies within the Outer Hebrides are thriving

3.

Well Educated, Well Trained & Well Skilled

The people of the Outer Hebrides are well educated, well trained and well skilled

4.

Health & Wellbeing

The physical and mental health and wellbeing of the people throughout the Outer Hebrides

5.

Communities

The communities of the Outer Hebrides are stronger and more able to identify, articulate and take action and responsibility regarding their needs and

aspirations.

6.

Natural and Cultural Resources

The people of the Outer Hebrides derive maximum benefit from the natural and cultural resources to benefit future generations

7.

Services

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Monitoring progress and Evaluation

Annual outcomes are detailed in the organisations yearly Strategic Plan. For each of the outcomes UOG plans to deliver, a set of specific targets have been

created. These targets will allow for measurement of performance and help the organisation remain on track with the delivery of the annual plan and the

five year development plan.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Priorities for the Year 2012:



Move closer to financial sustainability, relieving the reliance for grant funding through development and delivery of income generating projects



Enhance awareness of the benefits and take action to become a low carbon community



Improve the efficiency of the organisation through better processes and procedures



Improve communications, ensuring more people have the opportunity to find out more about the work of UOG and can feedback



Enhance the visitor experience through development of tourism activities

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Development Plan

Development Area Delivery Organisation Link to Local Outcome

Tourism

Promotion of the area as a visitor destination Development areas

 Accommodation

 Sites of historical / special interest

 Facilities

 Culture & heritage tourism

 Nature Tourism

Local Accommodation Providers Service Providers

Comunn Eachdraidh Community Associations Community Councils

2. Economy

6. Natural and Cultural Resources 7. Services

Natural Habitat & Sites of Special Interest

Promotion of the key sites of interest, and the variety of flora and fauna Erecting of interpretation panels at Clach an Tuiseal and Butt of Lewis Preservation of Nature Reserve Loch Stiapabhat

John Muir Trust

Commun Eachdraidh Nis RSPB

Scottish Natural Heritage Comunn Eachdraidh Nis CnaG

LNR Local Management Group

2. Economy

6. Natural and Cultural Resources

History & Culture

Protection and preservation of historical assets Interpretation of historical and cultural assets

 Comunn Eachdraidh

 Sites of historical relevance, memorials and listed buildings

 Development of a cultural learning centre

 Cultural and heritage tourism

 Implementation of Gaelic Policy and promotion of Language

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Hebridean Connections Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Museum nan Eilean Comunn na Gàidhlig John Muir Trust

Urras Oighreach Ghabhsainn Tourism Sub Group

2. Economy

3. Well Educated, well trained and well skilled

6. Natural & Cultural Resources 7. Services

Transport

Improve transport links and infrastructure Support Community Transport initiatives

Provision of low carbon alternative / community vehicle

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Commercial Transport Providers Community Councils

4. Health & Wellbeing 5. Communities

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Housing

Identify suitable sites for development

Work with Common Grazings committes to develop policies for house site and common grazings use

Reduce fuel poverty

Scottish Crofting Federation Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Tighean Innse Gall

TEAS – Western Isles local Energy Advisory service

1. Populations 5. Communities

Outdoor Pursuits

Reintroduce the guided a walk / ranger service Improve interpretation and signposting Establish educational outdoor activities

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn John Muir Trust

Comunn na Gàidhlig

2. Economy 3. Well Educated

Community Buildings

Support and retain community facilities and assets Taigh Dhonnchaidh

Barvas & Brue Community Centre Murdo Macaulay Memorial Hall Clan Macquarrie Community Centre Commun Eachdraidh Nis – Sgoil Chrois Spòrsnis

UOG Business Centre Ness Social Club Carthannas Nis Eoropie Dunes Park

Various committees Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Councils

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis

2. Economy 5. Communities

Community Learning

Access to learning opportunities, formal and recreational Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Co-ordinator Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Taigh Dhonnachaidh Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis

3. Well Educated 4. Health & Wellbeing

Education

Note recent and imminent closure of primary schools and secondary departments, Cross School – Closed July 2011

Barvas – new school currently under construction, through Sgoiltean Ura project

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Councillors

3. Well Educated

Community Services

Retention and expansion of Civic Amenity Site Habost, for household waste Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Waste Aware

SEPA

5. Communities 7. Services

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Renewable Energy Projects

Support Community Renewable projects

Potential for commercial developments, income generated through payment for energy production (FITS) or rental of land for access to costal shore based wave development projects

Microgerneration for social housing

Galson Estate Trading Community Energy Scotland Highlands and Islands Enterprise Aqua Marine

Scottish Co-operative Tighean Innse Gall

Young people and Families

Improved facilities and activities for young people

Working with GAIN to sustain and improve the Eoropie Dunes Park Partnership working with other bodies to host youth events

Development of a Youth Forum as a way of engaging with young adults Attract new families to the area and in-migrants

Availability of sports and recreation facilities

Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis Croiligean

Spòrsnis Cothrom CnES

1. Populations 4. Health & Wellbeing

Crime

Support Neighbourhood watch schemes Improved Police presence within the area

*Note the recent closure of the local police station based in Ness March 2011 Clean up areas with Fly Tipping, reduce occurrence by preventative measures

Northern Constabulary Community Coucils

Neighbourhood watch Schemes Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Waste Aware

SEPA

4. Health & Wellbeing 5. Communities

Community Cohesion and Engagement

Improved Communication on Trust work and developments

 More frequent newsletter, currently distributed to members twice a year

 AGM planned for September 2011

 More local advertising – article in Fios (local newspaper) on Trust work

 Poster distribution, Social Networking, email mailing lists, maintenance of UOG website

 Community Consultations

 Development and Succession of Directors Develop social events for the community

 Communtiy Market days

 Support local groups in hosting regular events – Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Ness Social Club, Clan Macquarrie Centre, Taigh Dhonnchaidh, Barvas & Brue Community Centre

Continued work on community consultations and evaluations of progression and completed projects.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Community Councils

Community Councillors Community Co-ordinator

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Estate

Creation of new crofts

In house crofting administration provision & land management officer Introduce Sporting Estate activities

Establish educational outdoor activities

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Common Grazing Committees Robertson Trust

Scottish Natural Heritage

2. Economy

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Priority Projects

Project Lead Organisation Linked to Development

Area

Term of Activity Short / Medium /

Long

UOG Involvement

UOG Business Centre

Purpose built community facility, with office space, meeting room and Market area.

Carbon Neutral building, with 20kW turbine and charge point for network of Electric Vehicles.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Community Buildings Short Project Management

Map fold leaflet

Production and Distribution of a bilingual information leaflet and fold out map promoting local businesses, attractions and sites of interest.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Tourism / History & Culture

Short Project Management

Calendar

Production and distribution of a high quality bi-lingual community calendar, promoting the area for tourism and highlighting the unique features and industries still visible throughout the estate. Branding the area for culture and tourism by promoting the rich Gaelic heritage.

Coimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig na Bliadhna Gaelic Community of the Year

Promotion of the area as a Gaelic language port. Application to Comunn na Gàidhlig for

Coimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig na Bliadhna.

Interpretation

Erecting of bilingual interpretation panels at Clach an Tuiseil and Butt of Lewis.

Continued development of bilingual interpretation at key sites.

Medium – Long Project management Sourced funding

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis

Relocation to Sgoil Chrois premises, development of overall service provision.

Development of a cultural learning centre.

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis

Community Buildings / Community Learning /

History & Culture

Long Funding advice Administrative support Assistance with applications

Electric Vehicle

Provision of low carbon alternative / community vehicle.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Transport Medium Project management Source funding

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Community Asset Mapping

Fivepenny Borve Common Grazings committee developing a housing site allocation policy and beginning the Community Asset Mapping process.

Fivepenny Borve Common Grazings Committee

Estate / Housng

Medium Advisory support Administrative support

Microgeneration Turbine project

Micro generation turbine pilot project at Airidhantuim social housing.

Tighean Innse Gall Renewable Energy Long Guidance / Advisory Support Community Consultation

Ranger Service

Ranger service has been available for the past 5 years, funding has discontinued.

Source funding for guided walk / tours at peak visitor periods .

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Estate / Tourism / Outdoor Pursuits

Medium Project Management

Land Manager

Currently seeking revenue funding to employ a ‘Land Manager’ to lead sporting estate

developments, environmental project and build links for increased partnership projects.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Estate / Outdoor pursuits

Medium Project Management

Walks Booklet

Creation of aBi-lingual walks booklet. Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Tourism / Outdoor Pursuits /

History & Culture

Short Source funding Project management

Sporting Estate Activities

Establish a range licenced sporting estate activities

 Clay pigeon shooting

 Shooting rabbits and geese to control vermin

 Fishing

 Wildlife photography guided walks

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Estate / Outdoor Pursuits

Medium Project management

Guidance and administrative support

Outdoor Educational Activities

Develop areas suitable for educational projects – Fishing.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Community Learning / Outdoor Pursuits

Loch Stiaphat LNR

Preservation and promotion of the first designated LNR in the Western Isles.

Continued support to the management of the LNR Upgrade of the Bird hide and walkways.

LNR Local Management Group

Natural Habitat & Sites of Special Interest /

Tourism

Long Source Funding

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Clan Macquarrie Community Centre

Development of educational and community based projects including a poly tunnel and community garden.

Clan Macquarrie Centre Committee

Community Buildings / Community Learning

Medium Funding advice

Murdo Macaulay Memorial Hall

Fundraising for renovation costs through events and market days.

Recently awarded Community Chest Fund.

Murdo Macaulay Memorial Hall Committee

Community Buildings Medium - Long No assistance requested at present

Spòrsnis

Revise staffing structure, seek revenue funding for a facility manager.

Main objectives being to increase membership, usage and income streams.

Installation of new equipment.

Spòrsnis Committee Community Buildings / Young People & Families

Short Funding advice

Habost Civic Amenity Site

Retention and expansion of Civic Amenity Site Habost, for household waste.

Prevention of fly tipping throughout the area.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Community Services / Crime

Long Source funding

Administrative assistance

Ness social club

Investigating the feasibility of erecting a 5kW turbine on site to reduce electricity bills and link to the area’s aspiration to become a carbon neutral community.

Ness Social Club Renewable Energy Short Funding advice

Renewable energy advice and information

Graduate Placement

Support creation of a community investment plan in relation to the Ballantrushal wind project.

Galson Estate Trust Renewable Energy / Community Cohesion

and Engagement

Ballantrushal Wind Energy Project

Large scale wind project development at Ballantrushal, Erection of 3x 900kw turbines.

Galson Estate Trading Renewable Energy Long Project management

Shader Wave Project – Voith Hydro Wavegen

Sited off the North West Coast of Lewis. Access and land rental for associated project infrastructure on land.

Fixed income from Land let and royalties based upon a quota of the value of energy generated.

Voith Hydro Wavegen Renewable Energy Long Community Consultation assistance Land rental

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Wave energy project – Aquamarine Power

Sited off the North West Coast of Lewis. Access and land rental for associated project infrastructure on land.

Fixed income from Land let and royalties based upon a quota of the value of energy generated.

Aquamarine Renewable Energy Long Community Consultation assistance Land rental

Eoropie Dunes Park

Working with GAIN to sustain and improve the Eoropie Dunes Park.

Develop a membership / marketing / donations scheme.

GAIN Community Learning /

Young People & Families

Short Funding advice

Crofting

Management of problematic rabbit and geese influxes.

Creation of new crofts.

Hosting of educational and social crofting events within the area.

Grazings Committees Scottish Agricultural College Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn

Estate Medium Advice and point of contact Facilitating the transfer of land into crofting tenure

Organisation and provision of a venue for events

Galson Producers Group

Establishment of a producers group due to the demand for regular Community Markets.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Community Cohesion & Engagement

Short Host sample market days

Gather information on legislation and licences

Development and Succession of Directors

Training, leadership development, skills gap analysis. These things demonstrate that as a community we are building resilience for the future by ensuring our leadership is strong.

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Community Cohesion & Engagement