We would like to apologise for the lack of updates on the Community Purchase of the Pier. Please be reassured that a team of us have been working tirelessly to ensure that progress is being made in securing the purchase of the Pier.
Action Plan
Firstly, a grant application to Argyll and Bute Council was successful for the Inveraray Community Action Plan. This is being facilitated by DWS Consultants. The Action Plan is important because it contains the local community’s vision for Inveraray and the priority activities that could turn their vision into a reality. The plan considers opportunities in four areas Business and Commerce, Infrastructure and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Community Cohesion and Pride. The Action Plan is imperative for all grant application for any projects as it identifies what the community want. There will be a drop-in session after the Easter school holidays for all the community. The closed Pier has been identified as a concern of the community.
Option to Purchase Agreement
We have also in the process of finalising an Option to Purchase agreement with the current owner, this is with the advice and guidance of Ridge Clean Energy. The Option to Purchase is a legality and hopefully will be signed off by all parties shortly.
Community Land Scotland
Inspire Inveraray are now members of Community Land Scotland, which is a support group for community land buyers, offering advice and support.
Scottish Land Fund Grant
We had a meeting with Highlands and Islands Enterprise regarding the Scottish Land Fund Grant and a Stage 1 grant application has been submitted. If successful Stage 1 will provide funding for Technical assistance to help you prepare to purchase an asset.
Business Plan
A business plan is well underway, and we have been liaising with Just Enterprise who are offering support and advice to ensure the Pier is cost effective.
Work on Pier
With the generous help from D A Macdonald some repairs are underway and volunteers helped with the weeding, which has made an aesthetic improvement to the Pier and shows the support form locals.
Website
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Robin Campbell, who sponsors and manages the Pier Website, if you haven’t had a look at it here is the link: https://inveraraypier.scot/
Other Local Projects
We have contacted and visited other similar projects, such as the Pontoon as Strachur, pulling on their experience and advice which has been priceless.
Collection Boxes
There are collection boxes in various shops throughout the town, which are collected regularly. They have collectively raised £2551.
The Important Part- The Pier Funds Total. Through fundraising and various events, raffles, busker days and fantastic support from the community and out with, the total fund for purchase of the pier is £21,922.
