ALTHOUGH Co-Chomunn na Pairc were unsuccessful in their bid to the Big Lottery Fund for a major redevelopment of the Ravenspoint Centre, they have developed a number of new ideas to increase use of their hostel, shop, and tearoom at the Centre.
Chairman of Co-Chomunn na Pairc, John Randall, said that they were determined to safeguard the community facilities at Ravenspoint if at all possible.
"The Lottery decision was a great disappointment, but we believe that many of the ideas and har
d work put in to developing the application should not be wasted. We are also looking at ways of improving the shop, taking account of feedback from customers, and considering less costly ways of delivering as many benefits as possible from the earlier application.
"Ravenspoint does have potential, as is shown by the Gaelic and other initiatives now under way, and in through such action we can help preserve and improve vital community services in our area. We are committed to working with other community organisations to help economic and social development in South Lochs."
The first is a week-long Gaelic learners course in conjunction with Lews Castle College, using the new ULPAN method, from Saturday March 14 – 21, with funding support from Bord na Gaidhlig.
Students will be accommodated in the good quality 14-bed Ravenspoint hostel, with formal learning sessions in the mornings and visits to places in the South Lochs area during the afternoons and evenings.
These will include informal visits to Gaelic-speaking homes where learners will be able to practise their Gaelic with native speakers, and a ceilidh.
It is also hoped to visit the Gaelic Medium Unit at a local school, and to attend a Gaelic service on Sunday.
Students will learn about the area's dramatic human history and have the opportunity to see villages such as Calbost and to use the Angus Macleod Archive.
A spokesman for Co-Chomunn na Pairc said that, if successful, this could be the first of many such courses based on one of the area's special resources – it being one of the few remaining Gaelic-speaking communities. A lot of enquiries have already been received from learners all over Scotland. Further details are available from Margaret Maclennan on 01851 880236 or info@ravenspoint.net
A second initiative, the GAMA award, arranged in conjunction with the Gatliff Trust, will enable a successful student to stay at Ravenspoint or one of the Gatliff hostels on the island during the summer to undertake a piece of research based on the Angus Macleod Archive at Ravenspoint. A summary of the research will be published by The Islands Book Trust.
The successful student will also receive a beautifully crafted silver penannular brooch made by silversmith Ian Stewart-Hargreaves. Details of the GAMA award and how to apply are on www.gama.gatliff.co.uk
