Eigg trust cracks it with £1M award from National Lottery
A heritage trust on Eigg has been awarded £1,045,000 by the National Lottery to help extend and develop An Laimhrig, a vital community hub, writes Mark Entwistle.
The Hebridean island community, which famously took ownership of its own destiny back in 1997, is celebrating its cash award of £1,045,000 to the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust.
To be completed in time for the 25th anniversary of Eigg’s community buyout in two years’ time, the first phase, consisting of a new toilet, shower and laundry block, and improved water and power infrastructure, will start soon.
Phase two, starting in spring 2021, will refurbish and extend the existing building and storage area to provide space for current and new businesses, and for community facilities.
The National Lottery Community Fund award provides the last major piece of the funding jigsaw required for the £3million project, which is also funded by the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Highlands and Islands
Enterprise, the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, an award from SSE’s Highland Sustainable Development Fund, and funding raised by the island.
The trust’s Business Development Manager, Rebecca Long, said: ‘Eigg was one of the first community buyouts in Scotland and the original build of An Laimhrig, completed in 1998, was the very first flagship project undertaken by Eigg’s community.
‘It is now 23 years later and with a 70 per cent positive population increase, the building is fit to bursting, with Eigg’s only shop, café, visitor-facing businesses and community offices unable to keep up with all the demands put upon them.
‘This vital expansion will aid the island’s economic, social and cultural development and secure Eigg’s future for the next generation of residents and visitors alike. Without National Lottery players this award and project would not have been possible.’
Eigg’s community is working with the design team behind the An Crubh Community Hub on Skye and the new Iona Village Hall, led by Architects WT Architecture.