Rural Community Gateway

The project was nominated by Alness Initiative, the planning group for the town. In their submission to the judges they stated, "In our opinion it is easy to achieve great things if you have the resources available, for this group every step has been a step into the dark and what they have achieved is a shining example to other community groups working in the less favoured areas of Scotland.

"It is impossible to describe the sheer tenacity and dedication of this group of people. Not one of them came to the venture with any experience of managing a project budget worth £270,000 far less a building project. This project started back in September 2003 and the wonderful refurbished and extended Community Centre re-opened in July 2007."

Success for Alness Initiative too

Alness Initiative is celebrating success in its own right too. The organisation is the most northerly finalist in the British Urban Regeneration Award (BURA) scheme for community inspired regeneration. Only 17 projects in the whole of Britain have made it to this final stage.

Alness Initiative was formed in 1995 and during the past five years has worked in partnership with the town’s community groups to bring over £1.5 million into the Highland community.

Projects have included renovations or extensions to the Averon Leisure Centre, West Alness Community Centre, Alness Heritage Centre and Kensal Community Hall. Renewable heating systems have also been installed in most of these community buildings.

Other projects include community art programmes, environmental renewal schemes, family learning projects and the purchase of publishing equipment for the production of a monthly newsletter.

Local volunteers have had significant input into the regeneration process in Alness, and have contributed to the success of the town.

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