Plans to turn an Islay forest into a community woodland have received a funding boost of almost £620,000.
Islay Development Initiative was one of 11 community projects in Scotland to benefit from the latest round of Scottish Land Fund (SLF) approvals, totalling £2,381,927.
The SLF is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The Islay group received £619,122 to purchase Sgiba Forest near Port Charlotte, with plans to develop it into a community woodland with a network of paths, community events and learning space.
Islay Development Initiative chief executive officer Thomasina Glover said: “Islay Development Initiative is delighted that we have been successful in our SLF Stage 2 application to purchase Sgiba Forest on behalf of the Islay community.
“As Islay is part of the Carbon Neutral Islands project, this forest will not only be a great asset in helping us achieve our net zero ambitions, but also address several other community issues such as rural depopulation and peatland restoration.
“Islay Development Initiative is looking forward to delivering significant community benefits in developing this project.”
Mairi Gougeon MSP, cabinet secretary, rural affairs, land reform and islands, said: “The Scottish Land Fund is a valuable tool, allowing local groups to develop projects that will provide lasting benefits to their communities, in both urban and rural areas.
“It is especially welcome to see projects that will positively impact not just people but local wildlife and biodiversity too. This aligns with our wider goal to ensure that communities can reap the benefits during our transition to a green future for Scotland.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the successful groups. It is their expertise and limitless passion that are the real drivers of change in our communities across the nation.”
Cara Gillespie, SLF committee chair, said: “This current round of funding demonstrates the importance of the SLF in helping both urban and rural areas to achieve their goals.
“SLF grants will enable these groups to unlock other funding and take positive actions to help their communities to thrive.”
Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “The groups receiving funding have all identified opportunities to help their local area to thrive. The projects are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities.
“Ownership will give them greater control over important assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come. We wish every successful organisation the very best in their new ventures.”