Go Golspie awarded £58,783 to replace community minibus
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Go Golspie Development Trust is set to purchase a replacement community bus after being awarded £58,783.
The Trust is one of 21 organisations across the Highlands to receive support for community l-led projectsfrom the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for community-led projects.
The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT) was the only other Sutherland group to benefit from the fund - it will receive £40,088 to “support community planning”.
Go Golspie’s existing 16-seater minibus has been in use since 2019, when it was officially launched at an event at the Stags Head Hotel in the village.
Its purchase followed a community consultation, after Go Golspie identified a need for affordable transport in the area.
The bus has been made available for hire on a mileage basis to community groups and individuals in the area, and carried over 600 passengers on more than 80 journeys in its first year.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the bus was used to deliver hot meals to the elderly and people self-isolating in the area.
Ward councillor Richard Gale, a director of Go Golspie, said: “The funding award is to replace our community bus and also cover administration costs to make sure the service continues.
“It is a great service, much appreciated in the area and is well used. But the bus is getting old and needs to be replaced - it will be traded in.
“The award is good news for Golspie and it is good to see the service continuing.”
A total of £1,033,384 is being out from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in this latest round of funding.
Cllr Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure committee, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a three-year fund available to local authorities, with an allocation of over £9 million for Highland.
“This is a considerable investment for our communities and a chance to build a fairer and more resilient Highland region.”
