The project was an environmental development to create a 2 acre seafront amenity which would provide training for up to 6 long-term unemployed people in an area of the North East Highlands recognised as deprived.
The Easter Ross area of Hilton, Balintore and Shandwick known as the Seaboard enjoyed the level of employment created by the oil fabrication industry at Nigg in the 1970s and 1980s. It also suffered from the subsequent demise of this industry leaving a population of 1,200 with no appropriate infrastructure or employment opportunities.
Since 1998 active local groups had begun tackling these issues led by a not-for-profit group, Seaboard Initiative. As a result of 5 years of working with the community, local government, LECs and the Scottish Executive, some £1.35 million of improvement projects went ahead including a village hall, IT training and environmental works and marketing among some 45 others.
The key aims of this project were to:
- do something positive for the community affected by disturbance from nearby quarries
- secure ownership of the last remaining open aspect overlooking the Moray Firth to prevent further built development
- form a series of disabled-friendly pathways linking the 3 sites
- engage a training provider to train staff and create the path network and related features
- build and install seating areas overlooking the Moray Firth.
Phase 1 was split into 3 parts:
- acquire land, surveys, legal fees, planning permission and archaeologist £33,000 - Scottish Land Fund, HIE, Local Councillor, private and community
- site clearing, site set up, establish training program, plans and specification £25,000 - Scottish Executive
- on the ground works, site layout, training program and site completion £45,000 - ESF, Ross & Cromarty Enterprise
The first two parts were completed in May 2003 with the third continuing to run until October 2003.
The Community Environmental Renewal Grant from the Scottish Executive enabled the project to succeed as well as strengthening the application to acquire the land.
The Seaboard Initiative intended making a further application in September 2003 to continue with similar environmental works.
Phases 2 and 3 of the seafront development are the long-term aim over some 5 years and were to have a sculpture park to attract visitors to the area.
The Seaboard Initiative thanks the Scottish Executive, Scottish Land Fund, HIE, RACE, in kind contributions, the community and Highland Council for their support.
Contact
Seaboard Initiative
8 Main Street
Balintore
Ross-shire
IV20 1UE
Telephone: 01862 832872
Email: will@seaboardtraining.demon.co.uk