Assynt Development Trust

As a development trust with limited capacity and only two part time staff, we are constantly told by others that ADT punches well above its weight compared to older, better resourced and funded Development Trusts and Companies throughout Scotland.

We act as the anchor organisation for the Northwest 2045 and the Regional Land Use Pilot, which has now been adopted by the Scottish Government.

In the 6 short year of our existence, we've grown from humble beginnings and small tasks to having direct connections with and helping to influence councillors, MSPs, MPs and Scottish Government ministers.

If you're interested in having a say and some influence on how we can help improve life for folk in in Assynt and the Northwest Highlands, then have a read at the blog post and drop us an email today.

We have a great and dedicated small board, who need your help, our chair Nigel Goldie is stepping down at the end of summer and we want to ensure that the foundations of the good work Nigel and his predecessor Willie Jack have done is continued by volunteer directors willing to give a little bit of their time to help their friends, family and neighbours. 😀

ADT seeking new directors Assynt Development Trust is seeking new Board directors to help to maintain the organisation’s track record of sound strategic, operational and financial management. This is an important and influe…

They came, they saw, they were turned over.

The woman's match at the community owned Culag Park on Sunday had a touch of everything. The crowd of over 100 folk attending were expecting the worst of this torrid Junetober weather to continue with howling gales and torrential rain and were dressed appropriately, instead we had no rain and sporadic bursts of...sunshine!

The match was off to a flyer with Sutherland ladies gaining the upper hand, with some tight defending, creative midfield and eager forwards. Jennifer Moodie opened the scoring catching a nicely timed pass and just dinking it sweetly passed the Ross & Cromarty keeper. A few moments later Franci Hutchison scored a goal that John McGinn would be proud of, she picked up the ball skilfully skipped past a couple of players and volleyed the ball from 25 yards out as the keeper flapped in the air. Sutherland made it 3-0 just before half time when Jennifer Moodie got he second goal after taking advantage of a deflection.

The second half of the match was a different affair. Ross & Cromarty eventually woke up and dominated much of the forward play, but to no avail, as the Sutherland ladies defence was solid and held on for the win.

This was no soft game, the tackles were hard, the play creative. What the crowd witnessed was a highly competitive match with some flashes of individual play that could easily grace the supposed higher echelons of the game. It was also refreshing to see players get up, dust themselves down an get on with playing opposed to the drama classes we so often see in the mens pro game.

Nigel Goldie, chair of Assynt Development Trust was tasked with choosing the Player of the Match. He chose wisely and picked Franci Hutchison, not just for the sublime goal that had her mum jumping up and down, but for her overall awareness, snuffing out potential threats and for distributing the ball into great positions.

Hopefully the Sutherland ladies team can make the trip back to the west coast on a regular basis, particularly if they bring the good weather with them.

As the clock ticks down to Euro 24 and Steve Clarke's exceptionally clever tactic of luring Germany into the belief that we're just no very good, a possibly more exciting game of football is happening in Lochinver in a little over 60 hours time!

Sunday the 9th, Culag Park, Lochinver sees Sutherland v Ross & Cromarty ladies game kick off at 2pm.

This is the first time we've had an official ladies game on the West coast and with a forecast of sunshine and rain, the game should be well supported as local player Franci Hutchison takes to the pitch.

The community owned pitch is managed and maintained by Assynt Development Trust. This is just one of the many projects that we’ve been working on, ranging from local Defibrillators, eBikes and the Cludgie chemical toilet disposal point, through to long term projects like building ten affordable homes at the Glebe.

We’ve loads of projects in the pipeline, large and small, that will make a real difference in the area. If you’d like to learn a bit more about what we do, sign up as a member by emailing [email protected]

We’re also recruiting new board members - you can be as hands-on as you want, but being part of the board is an excellent opportunity to have an input and bring positive changes in our local community. If you might be interested, drop us a message and we can have a chat.

Sutherland Women to host Lochinver's first-ever women's football league match Sutherland will host Ross and Cromarty at Culag Park this weekend.

Living Rent are looking to employ a community organiser to work with Highland communities to help them fight for a better and fairer housing system that works for the common good. Details in the link below.

Work for Living Rent We believe in the collective power of tenants to come together to fight for their rights, and use diverse tactics – including direct action when necessary – to achieve this.

Interesting job working for the Northwest 2045 via Assynt Development Trust. If you have the skills mentioned or know someone who fits the description please get in touch and/or share. Closing date for application June 7th 2024

BBC1 is looking for stories in the Highland community.

Do you have a cherished local landmark, a personal family heirloom, or a historical artefact with a connection to the Highlands that’s undergoing or in need of restoration? Are you seeking support to preserve your local community's heritage?

The Repair Shop wants to help! We're looking to restore historical treasures, revive personal items, and honour crafting heroes in the Highlands. Whether you have a special item yourself, or want to nominate a project or individual, we want to hear from you.

Apply now on the BBC website -

The Repair Shop | Shows and tours Nestled deep in the British countryside is The Repair Shop, where a team of Britain's most skilled and caring craftspeople rescue and resurrect items their owners thought were beyond saving. Together they transform priceless pieces of family history and bring loved, but broken treasures, and the mem...

Good to have Rachel join the board of Community Land Scotland, she does a power of work with the RLUP on behalf of Northwest 2045 which Assynt Development Trust acts as the anchor organisation.

Two Highland-based rural development experts join board of directors at Community Land Scotland Two Highland-based rural development experts have joined the board of directors of Community Land Scotland.

Living rent are looking for a Community Organiser for the Highlands and the North East of Scotland.

They're a good organisation with an enormous task. this is an excellent opportunity for someone in the North Highlands to apply and have them focus on the lack of attainable housing North of Inverness.

Work for Living Rent We believe in the collective power of tenants to come together to fight for their rights, and use diverse tactics – including direct action when necessary – to achieve this.

Calling all the young Assynt entrepreneurs, here's a programme to get your teeth into. Recruiting at the moment to start in May 2024 for 12 months

Here’s the eligibility criteria.

· Must be based in Highlands and Islands

· Ideally under 35

· Working in an enterprise less than five years old (or it can be an early-stage business idea/concept too)

· Ambitious, with the drive to take their business, or the business they work with, to national or international level

· Open to putting new ideas into practice that can boost business, and effect positive change and growth.

Further details through the QR code or this link.

Good luck.

https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/programmes/impact-30

On the next leg of our Creative Journey throughout the Highlands and Moray we will be offering free creative workshops for women in Ullapool! Exploring the themes of Roots.Connections.Belonging - using art, writing and discussion. Thursday 9th May and Saturday 25th May 10.00 - 16.00 at The Macphail Centre, Mill Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UN. No experience necessary! If you’d like more information or to book contact [email protected] or text/phone: 07920 679617

CCDC are seeking a Community Garden Coordinator - Coigach Community Development Company Throughout 2024, the Coigach Community Development Company (CCDC) are working in partnership with the Achiltibuie Garden directors to establish if the

Highland Council have a two bedroom bungalow property available to rent in Drumbeg.

Potential applicants should email [email protected]

Applicants can also apply online via this link. https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/925/council_housing/244/apply_for_a_council_house It is a straightforward process.

As we're in the midst of a housing crisis please share far and wide. 😀

📅The recruitment process for our 2024 Modern Apprenticeship intake is now open.

We are seeking the most dedicated and enthusiastic 17-24 year olds from across our localities who have a genuine passion for maritime and pursuing a career with CalMac. This year, we offer two industry-leading seafaring programmes - engine and deck ratings.

⏳Applications close on Monday 18 March 2024 at 9am.

Apply here ➡ https://ow.ly/iXYH50QKFnU

Good to see work under way at Achmelvich beach car park.

Parents from Ullapool, Gairloch, Kinlochbervie, and Farr High Schools have put together a petition to support their action to work together to turn around what is becoming a rather dire situation. Please consider signing, more information here:

Save Our Rural Schools Back our campaign calling for fair funding of small rural schools in Scotland. Add your name to the open letter now.

Well, we're getting closer, with the planning application now submitted.

All we need now is continued support from the Scottish Government and Highland Council before we can start to break ground and build a smart township for the people of Assynt.

The board and staff would like wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hogmanay, a restful Ne'erday and a prosperous 2024 with hopefully a start made on the first ten homes.

https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/pictures-first-phase-of-assynt-development-trust-housing-pr-336322/

Good interview with Mandy Haggith about the 'Peat, Diesel and Seaweed' project Assynt Development Trust are facilitating through the Northwest 2045, University of Highlands and Islands and the Future Observatory at the Design Museum in London.

We hope to have a workshop and possible projection at the end of January. Keep an eye out for the views of our young folk on climate change.

‘A good poem can take you to places you are not expecting’ Design Exchange Partnerships bring design researchers together with non-academic organisations, such as businesses, NGO’s or local councils, in strategic partnerships capable of addressing green transition challenges. Peat, Diesel and Seaweed: Using Poetry to Design Green Transition in Northwest H...

Many thanks to Christina and Acacia from the James Hutton Institute who are visiting the Northwest this week on a research trip and decided to bring a goodie bag of food and treats for the Assynt Food Larder. 😀

Karen MacRae, Crofting Development Officer for the Crofting Commission asked us to forward the notification for the Lochinver Crofting Succession Event 5-8pm on Monday 6th Nov 2023 to local community members with interests in their crofting community.

The event is one of the first of its kind and is a good opportunity for anyone holding a croft to meet the Crofting Commission, and learn the importance and key issues in croft succession.

Representatives from other organisations who can offer help and assistance to crofters will also be in attendance at these sessions including, RSABI, Farm Advisory Service, Scottish Land Matching Service and Citizens Advice Scotland.

Dont forget you can book your free place at our Common Grazings workshop in Lochinver on the 20th just by heading over to the Farm Advisory Service website! A light supper and lots of useful training will be provided to run your Common Grazings effectively.

Dear all, this is a two page survey on the state of public transport in the North Highlands.

We all know it's bad, but gathering data helps make our case to the authorities to spend time on the problem and fund improvements. The Sutherland Community Partnership have set up a transport group with the aim of setting up a community interest company that gives locals a say in how, where and when our public transport operates.

Please take a couple of minutes out of your day to fill it in.
Many thanks

Ewen

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=eeAb8KQzZkmFQ0WoO5R-sRwbbfryF1FLuDk7ZMUk101URjRJSFQ2NUhRTkJJN0NRSFo0RTc2NzFKTyQlQCN0PWcu
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=eeAb8KQzZkmFQ0WoO5R-sRwbbfryF1FLuDk7ZMUk101URjRJSFQ2NUhRTkJJN0NRSFo0RTc2NzFKTyQlQCN0PWcu

Fill | Caithness & Sutherland - The Future of Public Transport Survey Focus North is conducting a survey to understand the current state of public transport in the North of Scotland. Your answers hold significant value as they will guide the most effective actions for enhancing transportation in the area and improving access to employment, healthcare, and other activi...

After the grass was cut yesterday and the sun is shining, it's great to see both play parks on the Lochinver Main Street and Inver Park playpark looking so good and finally safe from deer and all the problems they bring.

Thanks go to Matthew Woodrow who instigated the improvements, Liam Taylor at the Community Council and Adam Pellant at ADT who orchestrated the funding and construction of the deer fencing. Well done to everyone involved.

Nine days to go until the Lochinver raft race, let your imagination run wild and let Helen know you're taking part. [email protected]⚓️

Excellent day at the community owned An Cala cafe in Lochinver yesterday with the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, Emma Roddick MSP.

We had presentations and discussions across a wide variety of topics including repopulation, community led housing developments in Coigach, Assynt and Scourie and the Northwest2045.

We were joined by representatives from the Community Housing Trust, Scottish Government, Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The discussions were followed by a trip up to the Glebe land site to view where our housing development will take place.

Pictured below, left to right Adam Pellant development officer ADT, Nigel Goldie ADT Chair, Minister Emma Roddick and Boyd Alexander Repopulation Coordinator for Northwest Sutherland.

Community groups in Highland are invited to shape their future by preparing a Local Place Plan for their area. What are the priorities for your community? What needs to change? Where might future housing and businesses be located? Where might you like to see new play facilities or active travel routes situated? To find out more visit - www.highland.gov.uk/localplaceplans

Peat, Diesel and Seaweed

Paid opportunity for a young person to take part in a research project

Are you under 30, based in the Northwest, concerned about climate change and want to ensure young people’s voices are heard? If so, we want to hear from you!

Peat, Diesel and Seaweed is a research project run by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The project aims to generate new ideas for how coastal communities in the Northwest Highlands can respond to climate change and transition to net zero carbon emissions.

This is a creative project, using word-play, images and the arts to explore fears and hopes and encourage dreaming about a better future. We are looking at some of the carbon emissions that are hidden underground or out at sea and seeking new ideas for carbon neutral technologies and green jobs, and we’re open to views about any issues around climate change and future green opportunities.

A key question for the project is: what do young people in the Northwest Highlands think and feel is most important in delivering a just green transition to zero emissions? To help us answer this question we want to work with a young person to organise some creative activities that will be fun for young people to take part in and give us insights and opportunities to listen to your voices and ideas.
This will be a self-employed contract with Assynt Development Trust working closely with the UHI research team. It will involve up to 80 hours of work between August and November 2023, which can be organised flexibly to suit the right person/s (open to job share).

The work will involve helping to design, organise and promote creative events, listening to young people’s opinions and encouraging them to share their views with the project. You will help the team to understand the feelings and ideas of young people in our area and to get their voices heard by people in power.

If you are 30 or under, have good communication skills, know lots of young people in the Northwest Highlands, care about climate change and enjoy the creative arts, and would like to earn £1000 between August and November 2023, please get in touch.

For more information, contact Mandy Haggith ([email protected], 07734 235704) To apply, send an email explaining why you’re right for the role to Ewen McLachlan by Monday 14 August 2023 ([email protected]).

Many thanks to everyone who chose to put one of these small blue counters into the Assynt Food Larder section at the Tesco Community Grant box in Ullapool.

We've received a grant of £1,000 from Tesco which will be spent on providing good quality food for the folk of Assynt.

As the larder is also committed to reducing food waste, if you are currently staying in, or operate a self catering property, please try to drop off dry goods at the Larder, adjacent to the Assynt Leisure Centre, where they will help stop food going to landfill and help feed folk in Assynt. 😀