After years of discussion, planning and aspirations the Nether Lochaber Community Association (NLCA) has finally taken ownership of the barn at Inchree from Forestry and Land Scotland.
Now, the Inchree Barn Project aims to breathe life back into one of the oldest buildings in the area to create a social enterprise with café/gallery/event space for both residents and visitors to benefit from and enjoy.
Iain Jenner, chairperson of the Inchree Steering Group, and a founding trustee of the NLCA said: “This is about giving the community something it has never had.
“A new venue that can be developed as a business and generate an income for us, income that could also help sustain other community-run projects in Nether Lochaber.
“Our community council boundary covers an area of nearly 12,000 acres.
“Until we took ownership of the barn, along with an area of land around it, the community did not own a single one of those acres that could be used for a project like this.
“It gives us a completely new opportunity to grow.”
NLCA can now enter the next phase of the project and will be seeking funding for the various stages of architectural drawings and planning permissions to carry out renovation of the barn in due course.
As well as grant applications this will involve a variety of sponsored events, promotional activity and, community fundraising in Nether Lochaber and beyond, over the next year.
Through recently successful funding grants from Inspiring Scotland and the Scottish Land Fund, NLCA have been able to employ a part-time project officer to support the work of the volunteer board.
Lucy Cooke, from Ardgour, has taken up the post and hopes to use her previous experience in community work and fundraising to raise the amount needed to take this exciting opportunity to the next level.
“I am really looking forward to helping Nether Lochaber in creating a major community asset,” she said.
“The barn will be a place for people to socialise after a walk at Inchree, create opportunities for local artists and producers, offer employment, income potential, and become a vital muti-use space in the heart of the community.”
NLCA are now launching a crowdfunding campaign called Back the Barn for anyone who feels able to support the project.
For more information, to donate or to get involved follow the links on the NLCA website, (www.netherlochaber.org.uk) and Facebook page to donate or get involved.
The NLCA trustees send their thanks to current funders mentioned above, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Councillors and MSPs for their historic support, McPhees for their help, the Nether Lochaber Community Council for ongoing support, and finally Forestry Land Scotland for enabling this project to become a reality.