North Lewis Development Plan

Transcription

1 North Lewis Development Plan Ria Macleod, Local Development Officer

2 Contents Introduction 2 Background 3 Main Objectives and Aims 4 Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership 5 Monitoring Progress and Evaluation 6 Development Plan 7 Priority Projects 11 1

3 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 (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. 2

4 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. 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 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. The 5th anniversary of the Community Land buy out of the Galson Estate area is a key milestone which will be celebrated in early

5 Main Objectives & Aims The main objectives of 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 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 6. Be a highly effective, efficient and innovative organisation 4

6 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 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 The services of the Outer Hebrides are of high quality, continuously improving and reflecting local needs. 5

7 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. 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 6

8 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 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 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 Transport Improve transport links and infrastructure Support Community Transport initiatives Provision of low carbon alternative / community vehicle Local Accommodation Providers Service Providers Comunn Eachdraidh Community Associations Community Councils John Muir Trust Commun Eachdraidh Nis RSPB Scottish Natural Heritage Comunn Eachdraidh Nis CnaG LNR Local Management Group Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Hebridean Connections Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Museum nan Eilean Comunn na Gàidhlig John Muir Trust Urras Oighreach Ghabhsainn Tourism Sub Group Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Commercial Transport Providers Community Councils 2. Economy 6. Natural and Cultural Resources 2. Economy 6. Natural and Cultural Resources 2. Economy 3. Well Educated, well trained and well skilled 6. Natural & Cultural Resources 4. Health & Wellbeing 7

9 Housing Identify suitable sites for development Work with Common Grazings committes to develop policies for house site and common grazings use Reduce fuel poverty Outdoor Pursuits Reintroduce the guided a walk / ranger service Improve interpretation and signposting Establish educational outdoor activities 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 Community Learning Access to learning opportunities, formal and recreational 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 Community Services Retention and expansion of Civic Amenity Site Habost, for household waste Scottish Crofting Federation Tighean Innse Gall TEAS Western Isles local Energy Advisory service John Muir Trust Comunn na Gàidhlig Various committees Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Councils Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Co-ordinator Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Taigh Dhonnachaidh Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Community Councillors Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Waste Aware SEPA 1. Populations 2. Economy 3. Well Educated 2. Economy 6. Natural & Cultural Resources 3. Well Educated 4. Health & Wellbeing 3. Well Educated 8

10 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 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 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 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, 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. Galson Estate Trading Community Energy Scotland Highlands and Islands Enterprise Aqua Marine Scottish Co-operative Tighean Innse Gall Guth Airson Iarrtasan Nis Croiligean Spòrsnis Cothrom CnES Northern Constabulary Community Coucils Neighbourhood watch Schemes Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Waste Aware SEPA Community Councils Community Councillors Community Co-ordinator 1. Populations 4. Health & Wellbeing 4. Health & Wellbeing 9

11 Estate Creation of new crofts In house crofting administration provision & land management officer Introduce Sporting Estate activities Establish educational outdoor activities Common Grazing Committees Robertson Trust Scottish Natural Heritage 2. Economy 6. Natural & Cultural Resources 10

12 Priority Projects Project Lead Organisation Linked to Development 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. Map fold leaflet Production and Distribution of a bilingual information leaflet and fold out map promoting local businesses, attractions and sites of interest. Calendar Production and distribution of a high quality bilingual 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. Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Relocation to Sgoil Chrois premises, development of overall service provision. Development of a cultural learning centre. Electric Vehicle Provision of low carbon alternative / community vehicle. Area Term of Activity Short / Medium / Long UOG Involvement Community Buildings Short Project Management Tourism / History & Culture Tourism / History & Culture Tourism / History & Culture Tourism / History & Culture Comunn Eachdraidh Nis Community Buildings / Community Learning / History & Culture Short Short Short Medium Long Long Project Management Project Management Project Management Project management Sourced funding Funding advice Administrative support Assistance with applications Transport Medium Project management Source funding 11

13 Community Asset Mapping Fivepenny Borve Common Grazings committee developing a housing site allocation policy and beginning the Community Asset Mapping process. Microgeneration Turbine project Micro generation turbine pilot project at Airidhantuim social housing. 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. 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. Fivepenny Borve Common Grazings Committee Estate / Housng Medium Advisory support Administrative support Tighean Innse Gall Renewable Energy Long Guidance / Advisory Support Community Consultation Estate / Tourism / Outdoor Pursuits Estate / Outdoor pursuits Walks Booklet Creation of a Bi-lingual walks booklet. Tourism / Outdoor Pursuits / History & Culture 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 Outdoor Educational Activities Develop areas suitable for educational projects Fishing. 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. Estate / Outdoor Pursuits Community Learning / Outdoor Pursuits LNR Local Management Group Natural Habitat & Sites of Special Interest / Tourism Medium Medium Short Medium Medium Long Project Management Project Management Source funding Project management Project management Guidance and administrative support Project management Source Funding Guidance and Administrative support 12

14 Clan Macquarrie Community Centre Development of educational and community based projects including a poly tunnel and community garden. Murdo Macaulay Memorial Hall Fundraising for renovation costs through events and market days. Recently awarded Community Chest Fund. 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. Habost Civic Amenity Site Retention and expansion of Civic Amenity Site Habost, for household waste. Prevention of fly tipping throughout the area. 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. Graduate Placement Support creation of a community investment plan in relation to the Ballantrushal wind project. Ballantrushal Wind Energy Project Large scale wind project development at Ballantrushal, Erection of 3x 900kw turbines. 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. Clan Macquarrie Centre Committee Murdo Macaulay Memorial Hall Committee Community Buildings / Community Learning Spòrsnis Committee Community Buildings / Young People & Families Community Services / Crime Medium Funding advice Community Buildings Medium - Long No assistance requested at present Short Long Funding advice Source funding Administrative assistance Ness Social Club Renewable Energy Short Funding advice Renewable energy advice and information Galson Estate Trust Renewable Energy / Community Cohesion and Engagement Medium Project management Galson Estate Trading Renewable Energy Long Project management Voith Hydro Wavegen Renewable Energy Long Community Consultation assistance Land rental 13

15 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. Eoropie Dunes Park Working with GAIN to sustain and improve the Eoropie Dunes Park. Develop a membership / marketing / donations scheme. Crofting Management of problematic rabbit and geese influxes. Creation of new crofts. Hosting of educational and social crofting events within the area. Galson Producers Group Establishment of a producers group due to the demand for regular Community Markets. 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. Aquamarine Renewable Energy Long Community Consultation assistance Land rental GAIN Community Learning / Young People & Families Grazings Committees Scottish Agricultural College Short Funding advice Estate Medium Advice and point of contact Facilitating the transfer of land into crofting tenure Organisation and provision of a venue for events Community Cohesion & Engagement Community Cohesion & Engagement Short Long Host sample market days Gather information on legislation and licences Project management 14