Rockfield Centre awarded £60,000

The William Grant Foundation has awarded £60,000 to The Rockfield Centre (TRC) in Oban, writes David McPhee.

This latest award forms part of a package of funding secured to complete phase two of the capital works on the main building.

This latest cash award will enable Oban Communities Trust (OCT) to keep the capital works at The Rockfield Centre on track for completion in spring 2020.

The William Grant Foundation’s vision is for a Scotland where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Removing barriers to opportunities and reducing disadvantage is pivotal to the foundation, as is nurturing strengths and talents to protect, promote and sustain culture and physical environment in a way that strengthens communities.

The four main tenets of the William Grant Foundation of health and social causes, youth opportunities, natural and built environment and Scottish culture and heritage are mirrored by The Rockfield Centre’s four themes of Arts and Culture, History and Heritage, Education and Enterprise, and Community Wellbeing.

Eleanor MacKinnon, project facilitator, said: ‘We are delighted the William Grant Foundation has awarded us this fantastic amount. It will be put to great use to provide exactly the facilities the foundation supports.’

Gordon McNab, OCT chairman, added: ‘The Rockfield Centre is showing there is national support for such a facility in Oban and that we can provide the range of activities that will make a difference to our communities.

‘That’s why the community bought the building, and once completed, everyone will reap the benefits from this worthwhile project.’

The work on the former primary school building is being carried out by local contractor TSL and the renovation of the windows and stonework, roof work and ventilation systems is almost complete, with exterior painting well under way.

Internally, the fit-out of the services has begun and, with this funding added to the package, areas such as the lift and external stairs will be completed over coming months.

Fundraising will continue to support the interior fit out to accommodate the variety of activities planned.

Nick Addington, chief executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: ‘The William Grant Foundation is delighted to be supporting the redevelopment of The Rockfield Centre, led by the Oban Communities Trust.

‘The foundation is particularly interested in supporting community assets that deliver strong social outcomes and enrich lives and communities. We recognise the wide benefits that this will bring to people who live in and around Oban and congratulate the trust and the local community for the significant progress they have made.’

The range and diversity of activities at the community huts continues to grow. Check out the website and what’s on for details.

‘It will be put to great use to provide exactly the facilities the foundation supports’