Community effort saves Salen Village Hall

A team of volunteers led by resident Catherine Murray have saved Salen Village Hall near Acharacle from permanent closure, writes Nic Goddard.

The popular venue had fallen into a state of disrepair with the electricity supply cut off, a leaking roof and damp problems - and with the lack of use during Covid lockdowns, meaning no parties, ceilidhs, music events or other gatherings, the future of the hall had seemed uncertain.

In late 2021 Catherine coordinated a fundraising effort with local businesses and organisations donating prizes raising over £3,000 to get the power reconnected and vital repairs paid for.

A team of volunteers have worked on cleaning, fixing up and decorating the hall and it is finally ready to reopen and is taking bookings for parties, meetings and events once more.

Catherine said: ‘I am so pleased that we are finally able to open the doors to Salen Hall again.

‘This is a huge milestone and a very exciting moment. I’m so thankful for the support of the community; it has brought us to where we are today.’

Nearby Shielbridge Hall is currently closed as it too requires a long list of repairs but has a newly-formed committee which is in the process of taking stock of the work required and the costs to carry them out.

In the meantime the mobile service from Crown Vets which visits the peninsula is being hosted at Salen Hall.

The rejuvenated Salen Village Hall.