£142,000 vote of confidence for Laggan from The Scottish Government
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Laggan Forest Trust is delighted to announce that The Scottish Government has awarded the organisation £142,000 from their Enterprise Growth Fund.
This substantial grant will support the development of three new social enterprises in Laggan. These will be a wood-fuel business, a trail-building company and a camp-site. These elements will dovetail with the existing Laggan Forest Trust Development Project established in consultation with the community, to create a Forest Centre with provision for the local community and visitors to the area.
Development Manager Robin Jackson commented, “We are delighted that the Enterprise Growth Scheme has chosen to make this award. This new grant to related social enterprises in the Laggan area shows a real vote of confidence by The Scottish Government in the community of Laggan.”
Robin continued “This support will provide us with the opportunity to make a real difference and achieve ambitions expressed by the community, creating real jobs.”
Chair of The Laggan Forest Trust’s Board of Directors, Davy Campbell, added “In making this award through the Enterprise Growth Scheme, The Scottish Government clearly shows that they consider that the community of Laggan has great potential as a sustainable location for businesses and as a holiday destination.”
Davy went on “As well as enabling LFT to start these social enterprises, this grant will also allow us to offer support to Badenoch Broadband & Communications, to further improve high speed internet provision in the area, which will add to Laggan’s appeal as a desirable location for businesses and tourism.”
An open meeting with the community will be held in the near future, to offer an update on the Enterprise Growth Fund projects, as well as progress with the Forest Centre. Meetings will of course also be sought with the Highland Council Planning Department and other interested parties.
Diane Greenlees of The Wise Group, who are Administrators of The Enterprise Growth Fund for the Scottish Government, told us “The Enterprise Growth Fund received an overwhelming number of applications. Following a robust assessment process, The Laggan Forest Trust is one of more than 60 third sector organisations in Scotland to receive funding. The Enterprise Growth Fund team look forward to continuing to work with The Laggan Forest Trust to help them use this investment to realise their plans. The Laggan Forest Trust will contribute greatly to the Scottish economy and make a positive difference to the lives’ of the individuals and communities in the area.”