Building Subgroup – chaired by Donald Macleod, this group is currently working on a proposed new office building for Urras Oigreachd Ghabhsainn.
Proposed Business Centre
The Trust currently operates from Bùth Lisa, a leased office in a very small building with little car parking facilities. The Trusts’ administration is still conducted from Anderson MacArthurs’ whilst secretarial work has to be carried out by Joanne from her home.
The Trust proposes to erect a Business Centre in 2010. It will comprise office space for the Trust, office space to rent, a crofting archive room, a meeting room, retail and business information area, a multi-functional area for businesses, land management and environmental seminars, markets, including a crofter’s market providing local producers with an outlet for their products. The design incorporates a wind turbine, providing a renewable energy source. The total cost of the building has been projected at £535,000. Multi agency funding is being sought to complement the Trust’s own financial contribution to the project.
Simultaneously the Trust is in the process of commissioning a community windfarm to generate income which will enable us to improve the effective management of the Estate and to develop economic, social and environmental benefits. We will be able to address the lack of affordable housing and encourage the creation of more employment opportunities.. Examples of projects being considered are the creation of a Caravan and Camping site and the development of fishing and sporting activities.
The new Business centre will provide a “fit for purpose” base for Urras staff, visitors to the estate and colleagues from other organisations with whom we collaborate with over new projects. The new centre will also be centrally located in the Urras area, a feature that we hope will make the Urras offices accessible to everybody throughout the community.