June AGDT Update

Ardgour Glensanda Development Trust Update June 2025

Since our successful AGM on May 14th in Treslaig Hall we have been pushing on with funding applications for projects in the Ardgour Area.

Winter Suppers – in order for these to continue we will need to secure grant assistance and we are grateful that a new sub-committee of Cathy, Irene, Ivana and Nicki has been formed to start planning for these events and fingers are crossed that we can secure the funding later this year.

Ardgour Hall - As part of the drive to decrease the energy costs associated with running the Hall, AGDT has submitted funding applications for solar panels on the roof  and battery storage. This comes after the Hall Committee organized a structural survey of the building and roof which was largely positive!

We have also submitted an application for an Electric Vehicle charging point at the Hall which would enable Urram to host a vehicle in Ardgour for use for hospital transport and also hire as part of the Car Club.

Treslaig Village Hall - We continue to try to support the Hall with their plans to make it a warmer space for all, seeking grant funding for new double glazed doors and windows, and an insulation consultant to identify how to make this lovely old building more energy efficient!

Affordable Housing and Housing Survey – we are excited to hear that the project to build up to six new housing units near the Primary School may now be able to access feasibility funding after all, as the Scottish Government is making more funds available for this type of work. Projects of this size can typically take 3 to 4 years to come to fruition so this first step is critical.  Quotes are being secured from companies to help us shape an application for funds to move this forward. The Trust is also working on its own Housing Survey for the Ardgour Community Council Area. This will be available soon and we urge everyone looking to alter their housing circumstances  - rental or self-build – or with family members hoping to return to the area who are looking for land – co complete the survey. This will help build a picture of demand to help use secure funds. Watch This Space!

Multi-Use Sports Area – one of the other projects listed in the place plan was the provision of a recreation area opposite the Ardgour Hall. A public meeting was held on May 27th to discuss this and it was agreed to work with the Highland Council to try have some new equipment installed on the grass pitch, but the major project would be buying the land between the school and Hall, clearing the scrub and building a tennis court size all weather facility with additional outdoor fitness and play equipment as part of the development – with a squash court as a “dream big” idea. The priority is a facility that is not designed for “team sports” as we have such a small population locally. We hope to have some concept drawing later this year, and meeting with Council officials will have taken place by the time you read this. (The picture below is just an example!)