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The rural community of Kilfinan parish has ambitious plans to revitalise its fortunes in a way which might well point the road ahead for many other villages and towns up and down the west coast of Scotland.
Kilfinan Community Forest Company is a charity based in Tighnabruaich, and was formed in 2007 after a consultation exercise with local people had revealed a number of issues which locals felt were holding back the district. Amongst others, some of these critical points were:
- A lack of year-round, rewarding work, particularly for young people.
- Shortage of affordable housing.
- A need for more permanent residents (a point raised by many holiday home owners themselves).
- Lack of opportunity for young people to settle locally.
Changing demographics towards an ageing population.
The small group of enthusiasts realised that they could do something about tackling many of the issues identified by using something which covered much of the land around Tighnabruaich and Kilfinan - the forest.
Resource
Identifying the resource was one thing, but obtaining the use of these Forestry Commission plantations was another thing entirely; the National Forest Land Scheme seemed, however, to offer a solution. The National Forest Land Scheme operates by making Forestry Commission land available for purchase or lease by communities for the benefit of the locality, and for the purposes of sustainable use.
The Kilfinan Community Forest Company was born, and in 2008, plans were made to purchase 1,100 acres of Acharossan Forest, stretching from Tighnabruaich village westwards to Kilfinan. As government funding fell away, the group settled on a smaller - but still sizeable - area of 312 acres.
Little concession is made to community groups on land value under the National Forest Land Scheme, so in order to purchase this area of forest, Kilfinan Community Forest Company had to find £130,000. So far, with help from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Unit (£60,000), an interest-free loan (25,000), and £17,000 through pledges and donations, the total raised stands at £102,000.
Almost there, but there is a time limit on the offer, and Kilfinan Community Forest Company must raise the remaining £28,000 within the next few weeks to meet the March deadline.
Worthwhile
Time is very tight, and the group is very keen to hear from anyone who would like to support this worthwhile project. Contact details are given at the end of this article.
But what is worthwhile about it; what will actually happen in the forest?
If enthusiasm was one of the qualifying criteria for funding, then David Blair, a forester himself and director of Kilfinan Community Forest Company, would have raised the cash months ago single-handed. David has no doubts about the benefits the forest would offer local people and the environment. "We're not aiming to compete with commercial forestry here," he pointed out. "We want to give the local economy a core and to add diversity, with year-round employment in and around the forest."
The group plans to create allotments and forest crofts in the woods, while offering people business opportunities and the chance to build their own affordable homes. The construction of a bunkhouse is another proposal aimed at stimulating tourism and recreation.
Support
Local people are right behind the project, as David stressed: "The community has to be fully involved. We have had great support, and people are very curious about what we're up to. But it's all about creating a sustainable community where families can find a place to live and work. It's a beautiful area, but you can't live on the view.
"If there is work and a place to live, schools, shops and every other business and amenity benefits."
Education is another primary aspect of the proposals. The forest lies adjacent to Tighnabruaich Primary School, and pupils, parents and others are encouraged to make use of the forest and enjoy the tranquility while learning all about it. Training in woodland and other skills is also on offer, and this would expand as the project developed.
Elizabeth McBride, who chairs Kilfinan Community Council, said: "The community council is fully behind this project. Their plans look really good and should bring employment while being good for housing and tourism. The people behind this have worked really hard and shown great community spirit."
Ambition
David Blair is also grateful for the support the project has received from Argyll and Bute Council's planning department. "Council staff have been very helpful, and we thank them for their support."
Councillors too are behind Kilfinan Community Forest Company. "The people involved in the project have to be admired for their ambition and I really hope they will be successful in their efforts to raise the remaining funding," commented Councillor Alex McNaughton, while Cllr Bruce Marshall said: "I have always been supportive of the Kilfinan Community Woodland bid and wish them well with regard to the funding shortfall."
If you are interested in helping Kilfinan Community Forest Company in its final fundraising push, you only have a short time to do so. Find out more by calling 01700 811809 or by e-mail at info@kilfinancommunityforest.com. You can also donate online by visiting www.kilfinancommunityforest.com |
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