In September, we appointed a Project Development Officer from a wonderful field of applicants. We welcome Jude Ross Watt to the project. Jude brings a wealth of experience to the post and will be supporting us to get the initial stages of work underway, connecting with the community and local businesses and generally helping us push along the development of the Hub. The funding for this post came as part of the grant from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the building and runs until the end of March 2026.
In October, we have been awarded the £20,000 that we applied for from the National Lottery Fund! 😀 This will be used for a portable toilet block, fire safety equipment, heating system and heating and lighting usage over the next two years. The toilet block and fire safety equipment will allow us to have higher numbers of people at events. We are currently investigating wall heaters that will allow us to remove the pews (the current heating is attached under them) once we own the building and that can also be used as supplementary heating once the underfloor heating is installed.
If you haven't already, please encourage family members and friends nearby who support the idea of the hub, and may not have already joined, to do so. Remember, we have a young person's membership too, aimed at secondary aged young people who would like to show their support. This link will take you to the online form, paper ones can be obtained at the Hub.
Membership is free and there are no commitments when joining us. By signing up, it helps us demonstrate the community engagement in our project and, more importantly, allows us to keep you updated of progress and tell you about all the wonderful events that are now available.