Testing times for the Old School, Embo, as cafe operator withdraws. Lottery funded, community-owned facility left without any significant income stream
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Another community-owned, lottery-funded facility in Sutherland has hit on difficult times, it has emerged.
The Old School, Embo, has been left without any significant revenue stream after the last business operating out of it withdrew to open up elsewhere.
The situation at the Old School mirrors that of the similarly community owned and lottery funded Falls of Shin Visitor Centre which closed after efforts to find an operator were unsuccessful.
The Embo Trust (Urras Euraboil), which manages the Old School, has now launched a survey to gauge what services local people would like the facility to offer.
East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Jim McGillivray, an Embo resident and former chairman of Embo Trust, said the directors were "getting a grip" on the situation and he now more optimistic than he had previously been about its future.
However, it is understood that, at one point, one option suggested was to hand it back to the National Lottery, which still retains a security over the building.
Embo Trust took over ownership of the former village primary school - built in 1859-69 - from Highland Council in 2012.
The organisation was awarded nearly £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2016 towards converting the historic building into a community centre.
The aim was to provide a focal point for the community as well as create local employment and volunteering opportunities.
Until recently, an income stream was generated from a number of businesses operating out of the property including a community shop, outreach post office and a popular training cafe run by Farmer Jones Academy.
However, the last business remaining, the cafe, recently posted on social media: “Just to let everyone know we will not be open again at the Old School, Embo. We do however have our space in Tain and are very excited about the move.”
Cllr McGillivray said: “The 2016 business plan approved by the Lottery has taken a knock with Covid, electricity charges and the influx of Tesco, Asda and Morrison delivery vans to the village.
“The current directors are looking at all the options. The cash in the bank is very healthy but the business plan needs to be changed.
“Like all such community ventures, and indeed many small businesses, times are hard and care must be taken to cut costs and pull in money from every possible source.
“I have ideas which the directors have agreed to let me follow up, but the big benefit will be the planned Coul Links Golf Course - if it comes about. The community benefit from that would keep things ticking over nicely.”
Cllr McGillivray added: “The hand-back to the Lottery was purely my idea to deal with the worst case scenario."
The Northern Times approached Embo Trust secretary Lawrence Bews for comment and was referred to the organisation’s social media page.
A posts states: “As everyone will be aware, Farmer Jones Academy has decided not to renew their lease for the cafe.
“Going forward, there is a questionnaire being distributed by the trust to the village to gain an understanding of what the village wants in terms of the future of the cafe and the use of the building.
“The trust has plans to continue to use the Old School for community events in the coming winter months. It is also still available for private hire.”
The deadline for returning completed survey forms to the Old School post box is today, November 11.
Meanwhile Ardgay and District Community Council is to discuss at its meeting on Monday a letter from the Kyle of Sutherland Hub asking for their support for a proposal regarding the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre.
