Funding will help make north coast museum 'a world-class visitor attraction'
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Strathnaver Museum in north Sutherland is aiming to become "a world-class visitor attraction" after being awarded £150,000 by SSE Renewables.
It is one of a number of community organisations across the Highlands receiving support from the energy company's Highland Sustainable Development Fund.
More than £2.15 million is being given to 23 "transformational" projects that will help the region recover from the coronavirus outbreak.
Strathnaver Museum is housed in the former parish church of St Columba at Bettyhill.
Project manager Fiona Mackenzie said: “We are delighted to have received this support from SSE Renewables which will enable us to develop Strathnaver Museum as a world-class visitor attraction for the benefit of the local community.
"The funding will allow us to improve our infrastructure, make essential repairs to our historic building and expand services to our users at what is a particularly challenging time.”
Caithness Community Connections received £50,000 towards developing a base in Lybster.
Other awards include £300,000 to create a community-owned hydro system on the island of Raasay, £174,456 to transform Dornoch police station into a community hub, £115,000 to build affordable community housing in Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston, and £66,794 for Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust to design and develop a Viking living village.
A spokesperson for SSE Renewables explained: The Sustainable Development Fund’s application process took place prior to the pandemic. However, in response the fund’s independent panel, responsible for funding decisions, acted quickly to double the amount of funding available.
"This swift action has helped to drive much-needed funding towards community projects that will help the region ensure it has the infrastructure and capacity to cope during 2020, but also to grow the economy again with facilities and skills that are attractive to tourists and employers in the future.
"Given the current emergency, the fund focused on projects which boost the economy, enhance skills opportunities and protect the heritage of the region.
"One of the largest economic drivers in the Highlands is tourism, a sector that has been badly affected by the outbreak, and this year the fund is awarding over half a million to tourism projects in the Highlands, helping them to recover and grow over the months and years ahead."
Lord Jack McConnell, chairman of the Sustainable Development Fund, said: "These are difficult times for those who live, work and do business in Highland region.
"We have supported projects that provide hope for the future with more sustainable communities and jobs. And, to make sure these projects happen, we will be flexible in working with local organisations to meet the new circumstances."
SSE Renewables says it has always been committed to sharing the benefits of its wind farm funds.
The Sustainable Development Fund is in addition to SSE Renewables' local community funds and supports strategic projects in regions where the company operates.
Over the next 25 years it is expected that the fund could be worth over £50 million.
