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Community Land Scotland

Gateway Lochboisdale Project

    Stòras Uibhist is pleased to announce that subsidiary company, Lochboisdale Development Limited (LDL), has been awarded a grant of £221,973 to the Gateway Lochboisdale Project, for the refurbishment of the quayside area in Lochboisdale village. The funds have been approved from the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF), administered by the Big Lottery Fund on behalf of the Crown Estate.

    As previously announced LDL has also been awarded a grant of £30,000 from the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Capital Grant fund for the project, completing the funding package.  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are also finalising plans to transfer the land to the Community Company at a minimum price, to support the delivery of this project.

    Stòras Uibhist would like to thank Lochboisdale Amenity Trust and HIE for their support in developing the application and preparation of the necessary plans.

    The project will be completed in 2015, and will include the regeneration of the old quay side, creating an inclusive recreational area with locally inspired, publicly sited art work, display screens, fishing access and public WC. As well as promoting local heritage, it will give the increased number of visitors, attracted by the new 52 berth pontoon facilities, a reason to stop in Lochboisdale rather than just pass through.

    This project is delivered as part of the wider Lochboisdale Regeneration Project, which has already secured over £10 million of investment in the Lochboisdale area.   The phase 1 construction works are nearing completion and the inclusion of this dynamic community developed project will further improve the economy and boost tourism in the coastal village of Lochboisdale.  It is anticipated that the project will act as a catalyst for further economic and social development within the village, attracting new opportunities.

    John MacMillan, Chairman of Lochboisdale Development Limited said: “The Gateway Lochboisdale Project will provide a family orientated attraction that will give Uist residents and visitors alike a place to relax and appreciate local culture and landscape. The increase in visitor numbers will in turn benefit local business, with the increasing footfall attracting further private investment.”

    Kirsty MacCormick, Development Manager said: “We are very excited to have secured these funds which will enable us to deliver an aspect of the Lochboisdale Regeneration project which we consider to be key to achieving our aims of revitalising the Lochboisdale area.  The securing of these substantial funds from Coastal Communities Fund and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will allow us to deliver a project that will have a strong appeal to visitors from within the Islands and beyond, making the Gateway to Lochboisdale an attractive destination.”