Western Isles New Development Opportunities (WINDO) is a charitable company dedicated to providing training and work experience on community projects for the long term unemployed and socially excluded people of the Western Isles. Projects are selected so that as well as providing real prospects for sustainable employment for its participants, they also make contributions to the local communities by way of 
environmental improvements.
Projects
In January 2003, having secured a Community Environmental Renewal Grant from the Sustainable Action Fund, WINDO was able to start work on two important projects for the development of two disused quarries in the Isle of Lewis - in Habost and North Dell.
In addition to these benefits, WINDO has achieved another of its mainstream objectives by using labour drawn solely from the ranks of the long term unemployed in the region, providing both training and paid employment to six persons for several months. WINDO appreciates the grant support allowing these projects to succeed.
Habost
In Habost WINDO was able to construct a waste recycling facility which accommodates several community skips and recycling bins. Complete with hard standing; retaining wall and access for depositing material at a higher level. This enabled elderly people to deposit material safely. A further phase is now being developed in partnership with CnES and SEPA to manage a range of waste material with particular emphasis on reprocessing garden waste. It was anticipated a civic amenities licence would be in place in year 2 meeting the aims and objectives of the National Waste Strategy Plan.
North Dell
Here the quarry restoration project phase 1 was completed and provides a large open space with car parking and picnic areas all set in a landscaped environment adjacent to the local community hall - this will allow safe and improved access for the community groups and visitors to the area. Planning permission was sought for a further phase to establish a visitor interpretation building which will utilise the latest in energy technology. The construction included some challenging civil engineering work in a busy corner with ground water problems which has now been resolved. The whole area looks pleasing and WINDO looked forward to the next stage of development which was programmed earlier due to the benefit of the quarry restoration project undertaken by WINDO.
Outcomes
During the construction and planning phase up to six participants on the project gained first hand experience in excavation and drainage works; laying underground ducts; stone walling construction; some joinery work and considerable experience in ground preparation and landscape work. Many participants were introduced for the first time to work on sites. Training was provided by experienced tutors both 'on the job' and within a college environment. Another site close to the Habost Quarry was used for a stone wall training project and which was running in parallel with both the quarry projects.
The participants were mainly locally based and the results of their efforts will be appreciated within the community with achievements a platform for future skilled employment opportunities.
Problems and Solutions
Ground conditions encountered during excavations posed some early problems but these were overcome in consultation with a civil engineer with methods and construction employed which were fitted into the work and training programme as the project progressed. Time constraints were introduced in programming the tar surfacing works due to the only quarry in the area being in great demand to meet customer requirements. This delayed some landscape work. The added benefit was that the plants and shrubs would be planted in better weather conditions in early summer.
Summary
The projects were completed within the agreed timescale and budget and WINDO was in a position to enhance the work already completed by the commencement of second phases to both projects.
These next phases provide for two very important community led projects in improving the waste management processes with several permanent job opportunities, also the creation of an innovative visitor interpretation facility to encourage tourist organisations to recommend it to customers. There will be the experience of a remote and unspoiled landscape - safe for families to enjoy the outdoors and contribute to a unique cultural experience.
On completion of all phases of the projects the communities of North Dell and Habost will have benefited from the restoration of two disused and unsightly quarry sites to aesthetically pleasing community facilities that make real contributions to the quality of life of the people in these villages / townships.
Contact
Western Isles New Development Opportunity
12 Inaclete Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9QE
Telephone: 01851 702570