RDP project database
Establishing A Community and Business Resource Centre In A Remote Area
Summary
A community and business resource centre offering "one-stop-shop" support to businesses, the local community and voluntary sector in south east Caithness in Highland. A good example of a project that contributes to revitalising rural communities.
Background
The Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company (LLCCDC) was set up in June 2006 to promote the economic and social wellbeing of the community by providing services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of the community. The Resource Centre responded to the need to deliver such services, and together with the Renewable Energy System LLCCDC were able to promote the need for CO2 reduction.
Objective
The main objectives are to: develop a community and resource centre which will deliver social enterprise projects at local level, build the capacity of the voluntary and business sectors locally, develop a carbon footprint reduction programme and deliver training. The project aimed to establish a "one-stop-shop" to support the business community and voluntary sector in south east Caithness. The centre promotes environmental sustainability.
Main activities
The main activities included: establishment of the community and business resource centre in Seaview House in the Lybster village; employment of a Community Powerdown Officer (funded as part of the powerdown initiative - https://www.communitypowerdown.org.uk/ - that brings together communities aiming to tackle their carbon emissions by delivering carbon reduction projects locally) and a Resource Centre Manager. Some infrastructure works also took place for improving the Seaview House
Results & Benefits
The established community and business resource centre offers support, advice and training opportunities directly to local people. In this way it helps build local community and business capacity. Further initiatives were undertaken by the staff, such as: creation of allotments for local people to grow their own produce; wheelchair accessibility to these allotments; and locally grown produce for healthy eating classes run at Seaview.
Lessons learnt
Local commitment and interest in the project is necessary in order to bring together local institutions and other actors and to obtain their support. Matching funding from the Climate Challenge Fund has made the project possible and helps promote the environmental sustainability ethos of the centre.
Project location and other information
Village of Lybster, Highland.
Region
Scotland
RDP Territory
Scotland
Total project cost (€)
162,759
EAFRD contribution (€)
73,242
National contribution (€)
73,242
Private contribution (€)
16,276
Project website
Contact name
Fiona Cameron
Telephone
+44 7827 281469, +44 1408 635215
Languages for contact
English
At a glance
Country
United Kingdom
Final beneficiary type
Other
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/09/2009
End Date:
30/11/2011
Theme / Measure:
Implementing the LEADER Approach
Implementing local development strategies
413. Quality of life/diversification
Keywords:
Advisory service, Business centre, Climate action, Leader, Training
Last update
21/09/2011