November 19, 2014
Sustainability take time
For a community group to make the gradual shift away from perpetual dependency on short term grant funding towards a financial model which is more stable and even financially sustainability, can take years. In 1998, a development trust in Cairndow, Argyll was formed with the purpose of tackling a number of challenges facing the community at the time. Over the years, Here We Are has developed a portfolio of enterprises with a particular focus on renewables. Last Friday they acquired another important asset.
19/11/14
A community group in Argyll has bought a 37-hectare woodland with the aim of creating more jobs and socio-economic benefits for the local area. Here We Are, based in Cairndow at the head of Loch Fyne, took ownership of Ballure Wood on Friday.
The woodland includes a plot with planning permission which will be used for local affordable housing. The purchase was made possible with £125,000 of funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
John MacDonald, chairman of Here We Are, said: “We are all very excited to have had our offer accepted on the woodland and delighted that we can now continue with our plans for development of our renewable energy business and community projects.
“Our committee and volunteers have worked hard for many years towards this and we thank HIE for their support and financial assistance.”
Here We Are was established in 1998 and currently generates income from two trading subsidiaries.
Our Power CIC operates a wood chipping plant, supplying biomass to heat water for several businesses. Here We Are also has a 25% share in the Merk Hydro LLP, a one megawatt hydro scheme currently under development.
Here We Are have a new website click here