Crunch meeting tonight to discuss community groups' proposal for closure-hit Falls of Shin Visitor Centre
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT) directors will tonight discuss a community proposal to take over the closure-hit Falls of Shin Visitor Centre,
The Lottery funded visitor centre, comprising a restaurant and gift shop, is owned by the community and managed by KoSDT, who have been unable to find an operator for it.
In recent months Lairg and District Learning Centre has linked with the Kyle of Sutherland Hub to put together a business proposal for the takeover of the centre.
The two groups have held a consultation exercise.
KoSDT manager David Watson gave an update to Creich Community Councillors at their online meeting last night.
He said: “We do have a community organisation - a consortium of community organisations - who have put in a business plan to KoSDT for consideration.That will be considered by the board tomorrow night."
But Mr Watson said that a potential sale of the Falls of Shin was still very much on the table - The Lottery still has a financial interest in the centre, but Lottery managers have said they will not seek to recover any funds for the remaining liability period.
“The reality is that the viewpoint of trustees has not changed. We still feel a sale to the private sector would be in the best interests of the trust and community, but we will discuss the business proposal in good faith," said Mr Watson
“We need to see there is real community benefit in any decision we make.
“The only reason there are buildings there (at the Falls of Shin) is because visitors go there. It can not be reimagined as anything else.
“It is probably the most visited site in the whole of the county of Sutherland and we need to be able to cater for visitors.
“But we will look at everything with open eyes and try to find the best solution for the community.
“After tomorrow’s meeting, there will be a bit of back and forth with the Lottery Fund and we will be able to give a better indication of where we are going with the Falls of Shin.”
Creich Community Council chairman Keith Williams said the council had written a letter of support after being asked to do so by the community groups involved in the new proposal.
He said: “We are in favour of anything and everything in finding a solution and we wish you good luck in making a decision. We hope we get a good resolution for the community in the end.”
