Author: Amalia

As most folk locally know, HIE is selling Orbost Estate, and it was always the intention that it would go into community ownership. When HIE first approached DCT about the sale several years ago, DCT commissioned a feasibility study to look into buying the whole estate (excluding the farm and small holdings , which are not part of the sale), as well as several surveys to gauge community support. The feasibility study and surveys are on the DCT website to view. The  general reaction to the proposed purchase of such a large piece of woodland was mixed. Although more responded favorably for the proposal than not, the enthusiasm and support necessary for such a large community commitment was lacking. This seemed to be for a number of reasons- the price tag of £2 million (this has almost certainly increased over the last few years) and objection to HIE proposing to sell it back to the community at such a price, the amount of work and expertise such a large scale project would require, and a feeling that owning it would not address some of the major issues facing the area, like a lack of affordable housing. Without strong community support, it is not ethical or even possible for DCT to undertake such a project.  DCT have continued dialogue with HIE over options in Orbost, and in lieu of a purchase of the entire forest,  HIE is prepared to sell the smaller area of Cruachan Wood to DCT. DCT has engaged their assistance in drawing up a draft business plan, which in its draft form includes the creation of 3 woodland crofts plus 1 or 2 house sites. It is proposed that these would all be subject to the Rural Housing Burden. DCT is also discussing with LSHA the possibility of an asset transfer of a plot of land which they originally intended to build 2 additional houses for affordable letting. The last valuation for Cruachan Wood has expired and will have to be revalued, and there are a few options in the route to a purchase, but we still think this is a positive and manageable project that will offer good value to the community and be a step in the right direction of addressing depopulation locally. DCT met with Orbost residents and smallholders several weeks ago to discuss these plans; it was a positive and supportive meeting and they were keen for Bluebell Hill to also come into community ownership. HIE is open to this idea too, so we will await a revised and up to date valuation.  We would like to open this discussion up to the wider community, with the goal of surveying members to gauge support in the coming weeks. There are links below to the draft business plan, information on Woodland crofts, the communities housing trust and the rural housing burden. www.woodlandcrofts.org Communities Housing Trust Website Draft Business Plan Cruachan Wood Rural Housing Burden Factsheet

The following email has been received from Scottish Woodlands: “Scottish Forestry have identified a positive infection of Phytophthora ramorum within the larch trees along the 2 churches walk. This is a fungal disease which kills larch, and to try and slow the spread and impacts Scottish Forestry demand that infected stands be felled. As managing agents, Scottish Woodlands Ltd. are therefore in the planning stages of working out how the impacted woodlands may be felled and extracted while minimising impacts to the community. The current thoughts are to return the ground to native type woodland post felling to avoid the need for future clearfells/disruption and improve views and visual appeal. There would be a short period during which the current walking path would have to be closed, and thereafter re-instated to ensure continued future access. Plant Health notices dictate that the felling must be completed in the autumn/winter of 2023.   At this stage we wished to make the community aware that this is a problem we’re going to have to tackle, and I’d be interested in the communities thoughts as to how impacts might be reduced. Any responses are encouraged by end of May 23 :[email protected]”  

Dunvegan Community Trust are excited to be working on a project to redevelop the play park in the village. The current play park has been neglected for some time, and with The Highland Council having no plans to renovate it themselves, we would like to create a new and exciting play park on the current site. Volunteers have commissioned a project design from play equipment specialists Kompan and are working with the council to transfer the site into community use. To help us deliver this project, we are collaborating with Dunvegan Community Council and the Dunvegan school and parent council. As we have now become an incorporated charity, we are formalising a sub-committee to take the project forward and are delighted to have a large number of volunteers on board already. We welcome anyone in Dunvegan who is willing to lend their time and expertise to join the project team and get involved. We are committed to ensuring the new play park meets the specific needs and requirements of our community. In the coming weeks and months, we shall be consulting with residents and Dunvegan Primary School pupils to gather feedback on our project plans to help refine the final play park design. We recognise that we have a significant fundraising challenge ahead of us. We shall be fundraising at local events and applying for grants to deliver the project, with our first funding application already submitted. We are hopeful that we can meet our target through various sources and donations. If you wish to get involved in the project, we invite you to apply to join the play park working group on our updated website. Whether as a full sub-committee member or a volunteer, your contribution will be greatly appreciated!