Reasons revealed for grant refusal

THE SCOTTISH Land Fund (SLF) has said the reason it rejected an application for funding for a cinema project in Fort William was because it had concerns about the sustainability of the project.

Quizzed by the Lochaber Times over reasons for last week’s refusal of the bid for monies from the Lochaber Cinema Group (LCG), a spokesperson for the SLF said: ‘We understand how disappointing this news will be for Lochaber Cinema Group.

‘The Scottish Land Fund committee was concerned about the sustainability of the project outlined in the plans they submitted and so were unable to award funding.

‘We have contacted the group and discussed the reasons for this decision with them.’

However, in feedback on the Lochaber group’s application, the fund’s committee indicated they would welcome a new application from LCG at a later date, provided it seeks specialist advice and support regarding the running of a cinema and in turn works to strengthen its business plan.

SLF is administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Big Lottery, with applications assessed by a committee of independent members from around the country.

LCG had wanted the SLF cash to help purchase two units at Airds Cross (formerly Wynnes Butcher and Oceans takeaway), with an estimated total project cost in the region of £600,000.

The detailed plans from LCG had already been granted planning permission by Highland Council, but were dependent on funding from the SLF to help purchase the units for £180,000.

Despite the disappointment over their application’s refusal, campaigners have vowed to carry on. LCG’s Marie MacPherson told the Lochaber Times that a vote at the group’s AGM the next day had been to carry on and already there was a new venue possibility in the pipeline.

Ms MacPherson said: ‘LCG is undoubtedly disappointed by this decision,’ adding: ‘At our AGM we decided as a group to carry on with our purpose.

‘That is getting a cinema established in the town and getting our own fundraising in place as we feel that grants are not going to be supportive of our purposes as ultimately boards that decide grant applications are not from the area applied from and we would rather oversee our own outcomes and decisions.

‘We also voted on increasing our board from three to six and welcome three new members.

‘We would encourage Lochaber to use this facility. As a group we are looking for more members to join and more fundraising locally.’