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Community campaigning finally pays off

Thursday 15 January 2004

Nine years of tireless community campaigning has finally paid off today following the start of construction to build a new community sports and leisure centre in Lochinver. Local MP John Thurso and MSP Jamie Stone will be lending their support to the project, which aims to develop an infrastructure of quality sports facilities within the local area for people of all ages and abilities.

sportscotland Lottery Fund awarded £200,000 towards the development of the new community sports and leisure centre from its Sports Facilities Programme. This facility will include a sports hall with three badminton courts, fitness room, changing facilities, reception and viewing areas. Local schools will also be given full use of the centre to encourage youngsters to build a long-term interest in sport and make physical activity a lifetime habit.

Pippa Saunders, Secretary, Assynt Leisure said: “The people of Assynt and the Assynt Leisure Committee are delighted that finally the project to build and run a sports and community centre in Lochinver, Sutherland is now on site. The work to reach this stage has been long and sometimes frought with frustration, and now to see the building work finally under way has given us the realisation that it has been worthwhile.

“sportscotland Lottery Fund supported this project in its early stages by an award of £200,000 from its Sports Facilities Programme. As a result of sportscotland’s financial support further awards were received from both private and public sectors, including £493,000 of European funding through the Highland’s and Island’s Special Transitional Programme. This multifunctional facility will aim to benefit all people within the local areas, making vast improvements to the physical and mental well being of the community.”

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland said: “ We are delighted to support this facility which will aim to provide schools, clubs and local residents with the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting activities, ensuring that physical activity remains enjoyable and accessible to all people across Scotland.

“This project demonstrates how through close partnership working we can achieve a positive outcome that will bring a significant benefit to the local community. Without the substantial efforts made by the Assynt Leisure Committee this project would not have gone ahead.”

  • The start-up ceremony will take place at Assynt Community Sports and Leisure Centre, Lochinver, Sutherland on Friday 16 January at 13.30
  • The community itself has raised over £50,000, through hosting events such as quiz nights, dances, sponsored cycle rides, and other fundraiser activities
  • Monies were also received from organisations such as the Highland Council, Lloyds TBS Foundation, Gannochy Trust, the Tulip Trust, BBC’s Children in Need Appeal, Robertson Trust, Clothworkers Foundation, Rank Foundation, Hedley Foundation, Sutherland Enterprise and Caithness.