Findhorn eco-village awarded £200k by UK Government to aid post-fire rebuild
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The UK Government has awarded nearly £200,000 to help rebuild Findhorn’s eco-village.
Two deliberately started fires in April 2021 destroyed both the eco-village’s community centre and its sanctuary building.
The Community Ownership Fund has now given a £194,665 donation to help build a new space where community groups can meet.
The money will also be put towards offering a range of well-being and educational activities at the site.
Moray's MP and the leader of its council have both welcomed the award.
Douglas Ross called the money a "huge boost".
He said: "The fire was absolutely devastating. This money will help the eco-village rise from the ashes.
"I look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition."
As well as leading the council, Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative) will be a candidate for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey at the next general election.
She said: "This is fantastic news. The fire two years ago had a profound impact on Findhorn and local residents.
"They have shown incredible resilience ever since and now they have been richly rewarded by the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
"This will not only create a new space for the community but also spaces for well-being and educational activities.
"I remain fully committed to working closely with the community in Findhorn as this funding helps to substantially move these plans forward."
Joseph Clark started the twin fires on night of April 12, 2021
Having worked at the eco-village for 16 years, he had been told four months earlier that he would be made redundant due to the ongoing impact of Covid restrictions.
After starting the fires he handed himself in at Forres police station.
Elgin Sheriff Court later ordered him to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work for the community.
A statement was issued by the eco-village after Clark's guilty plea but before he was sentenced.
It said: "We were saddened when we heard that Joseph was charged with this serious offence.
"We hold Joseph with compassion.
"Our focus is now the rebuilding of our much-loved community spaces and raising the minimum of £1 million needed to rebuild them."
