£1.5m funding award for John O’Groats mill transformation
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A funding award of £1.5 million will help transform the historic mill at John O'Groats into a "fantastic community resource", with work expected to start by the end of this year.
The money from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) will support John O’Groats Mill Trust in its ambitious project to bring the category "B" listed mill back into use as a heritage visitor attraction and community venue.
The trust acquired the mill in 2020 and has spent the past two years working with a design team of architects and engineers to develop plans. These will see the existing mill building repaired and refurbished, while a new extension to the rear will provide a reception and community space.
Mill trust chairman Rognvald Brown said: "We are absolutely delighted with the news of this substantial award of funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. It is critical to our plans and will help propel us forward towards the aim of works starting on site by the end of this year.
"The RCGF funding will help us to transform the mill into a fantastic community resource, provide local jobs and help support the local economy."
The mill only ceased production around 20 years ago. The trust is a charity run by volunteers, all from the local community, whose aim is to see the building become "a vibrant asset for the local area and beyond".
The RCGF is delivered in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and individual local authorities, including Highland Council. Since 2014/15 it has funded more than 200 projects.
The latest round of funding will help 23 community-based initiatives around Scotland which will receive a share of almost £27m.
Scotland's community wealth minister Tom Arthur said: “These innovative, grassroots schemes have been developed within communities to address local needs.
“Scottish Government support will help provide services like employment training, affordable childcare, mental health support and addiction counselling. Derelict landmarks will be redeveloped and new buildings created.
“By working in partnership with residents and local authorities, we are helping communities to support themselves and develop fair, green and prosperous economies which accelerate progress towards net-zero emissions."
Last year, £250,000 was awarded to the John O'Groats project through SSE Renewables' Sustainable Development Fund.
The funding for John O'Groats Mill Trust is one of three RCGF awards in the Highland Council area.
The other Highland projects benefiting are Gro For You Community Innovation Campus in Tain (£450,000) and Knoydart Bunkhouse (£560,000).
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: “It is terrific news that these three very worthy community-led projects are set to benefit from RCGF funding support.
"There is a lot of competition across the whole of Scotland to get a share of the fund, so to have over £2 million awarded to invest in the Highlands is good news.
“The RCGF is all about targeting financial support to provide a boost to social and economic regeneration. I wish everyone involved in these three successful projects well as they now press ahead with their plans.
"Each of the projects is unique but they all share an ambition to make a real difference, so I look forward to seeing the benefits they bring to their communities.”
