Regeneration awards go north

Regeneration awards go north –  Place , People and Partnership

Place Category

• Winner – Uig Community Shop (Lewis)

What is the aim of the project?

This project was established in response to a rural community having its only shop closed down. The local community formed a trust to take over and expand the shop. By taking on this asset, the community hoped that it would be able to deliver a range of services to the wider community and visitors, and provide a lifeline in food, coal, gas and post office services.

Where is it taking place?

In Uig, a remote region on the Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis. The population is around 400.

What has been achieved?

The shop was purchased by Uig Development Trust in 2003, and was expanded considerably in 2007/08 to stock a much wider range of goods in a bigger retail area. It has become a social hub with a refreshments area and launderette. In addition, Uig Community Shop has developed modern ICT facilities for the benefit of community members, visitors, and staff from public agencies. It also provides employment for nine local people. Anticipated longer-term benefits include reducing out-migration and attracting younger families to the area. Uig is now becoming an area where deprivation and exclusion is being overturned. A key component in the project’s overall success has been the introduction of two wind turbines. By generating its own power, considerable energy cost savings have been made, improving the shop’s financial viability.

Who is running it?

Uig Development Trust, which comprises local community members, runs the project. Funding has been provided by the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Western Isles Council, Community Energy Scotland, Uig & Hamnaway Estate, and the Scottish Government.

Why did the judging panel like it so much?

The judges were quick to recognise that Uig Community Shop is so much more than just a shop. While it serves its primary function very well, providing a range of affordable goods in a fully accessible and pleasant environment, it does so much more to meet the needs of its community. It sells petrol, provides post office services, runs a

commercial laundrette, sells hot drinks, can be used as a drop-off point for school children, and provides a meeting space that can offer both internet access and video-conferencing facilities. The shop provides a vital hub for a remote community, and is clearly sustainable, with no reliance on revenue subsidy. The SURF Awards judging panel considered this to be a particularly well-rounded project. For these reasons Uig Community Shop was chosen as the overall winner in the Place category of the 2010 SURF Awards.

How can I find out more?

Please contact Elaine Newton, Manager, Uig Community Shop, on 01851 672 444 or uigcommunityshop@gmail.com

Partnership Category

• Winner – Eday Partnership (Orkney)

What is the aim of the project?

To deliver and prioritise community development projects in vulnerable island recognised for its social and economic fragility.The Eday Partnership brought together a number of local community groups to act in a co-ordinated fashion and develop a variety of ambitious projects to reverse the decline and make the island an attractive place to live in and visit.

Where is it taking place?

Eday is an island in Orkney, 16 miles north of Kirkwall. The population is around 150.

What has been achieved?

As a result of appointing a Development Officer the partnership has been able to successfully apply for funding. Working to deliver and develop projects had previously been the responsibility of over-burdened volunteers. The partnership has seen the value of community owned assets rise by £500,000 in just five years, attracting £1.3million of investment for local projects. Among these developments were a new heritage centre, renovation & modernisation of a community-owned hostel, three income-generating wind turbines and a ‘Gateway House’ innovation that enables prospective Eday residents to try living in the community before committing to a permanent move. Future projects to enhance the local quality of life and prevent deprivation include building efficient, affordable housing, creating a subsidised freight scheme, and creating workshop units. Also planned is the development of a fast boat project, with a summer pilot having been run in 2010, linking Eday with other islands to reduce peripherality. In addit
ion work is well underway to purchase and manage a 900kW community income generating wind turbine.

Who is running it?

The Eday Partnership was formed in 2005 by five local partner groups: Eday Community Association, Eday Community Council, Eday Community Enterprises, Eday Heritage Centre Association and EdayTourist Association.The external partners were various departments of Orkney IslandsCouncil, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the European Marine EnergyCentre, Scottish Natural Heritage and Community Energy Scotland

Why did the judging panel like it?

The judges saw the Eday Partnership as an exemplar project, which is using a comprehensive and multi pronged approach to community regeneration. The project has transformed Eday from a community on the brink to being one with a sustainable future. The judges also valued the remarkable mix of local individuals, businesses and agencies in the partnership, which are united in the spirit of true embedded partnership working. What impressed the judges hugely was the progress made in such a short time frame – five years – to save an island that could have ended up like St Kilda. They felt that the results speak for themselves: the community of Eday is now alive and thriving, and working towards being self-sufficient financially, with renewable energy and a healthy food supply. The judges were delighted to select the Eday Partnership as the winning project in the Partnership category for the 2010 SURF Awards

How can I find out more?

Please contact Kate Townsend, Community Development Officer, Eday Partnership on 07917 523 582 or kate@edaypartnership.org

People Category
• Winner – Rag Tag ‘N’ Textile (Wester Ross & Skye)

What is the aim of the project?

To provide an environment that supports the personal growth and development of vulnerable adults with mental health problems, by training them to make hand-crafted items from recycled textiles. The overall aim is to reduce the stigma that sufferers of mental illness face, using environmentally sound methods to deliver training and to produce high quality goods for generating income.

Where is it taking place?

The project has a shop and main office in Balmacara, near Kyle of Lochalsh in Wester Ross, and a workshop in Broadford on the east coast of the isle of Skye.

What has been achieved?

Rag Tag ‘N’ Textile has employed an average of 6/7 staff at any one time and has provided placements for 26 trainees, 20 volunteers, 27 supported volunteers and 82 adult learners. The number of beneficiaries during 2007-09 totals 396. Project participants have gained confidence as well as valueable experience in a supportive environment. Many participants are referred to the project to regain confidence in dealing with other people and gaining skills that allow them to support other people in a similar situation. A high proportion have developed the self-belief to get active through volunteering. The project has also offered support and guidance to people living in isolated areas, with little access to public transport. It additionally supports young enterprise projects in local schools, and has delivered accredited training in partnership with the West Highland College, among others. The Scottish Qualifications Authority is interested in the project as part of the ongoing review of the national curriculum. All goods produced by the project are unique. Each piece is handfinished and made from recycled fabrics, so no two items are exactly the same. Many designs recognise and reflect local trades and traditions.

Who is running it?

Rag Tag ‘N’ Textile is a registered charity and social enterprise, formed eight years ago. Financial support for the project has been provided by the Essentia Foundation (via the Scottish Community Foundation), the Highland Council, Scottish Government, Community Recycling Network in Scotland, and Comic Relief.

Why did the judging panel like it so much?

The judges were very impressed by the enthusiasm of the project leaders, trainers and volunteers. They see this project as a fine example of cooperation across a range of stakeholders to support people with mental health issues in isolated communities. It was clear to the judging panel that the project has the full support of the local community and is widely recognised for the benefits it brings. They were therefore pleased to confirm Rag Tag ‘N’ Textile as the winning project in the People Category.

How can I find out more?

Please contact Cindie Reiter, Manager, Rag Tag ‘N’ Textile, on 01599 566 793 or cindie@ragtagntextile.org.uk.