Two Black Isle communities are set to benefit from big cash injections for local projects.
The Highland LEADER programme has awarded funding of £37,985 to the Rosemarkie Amenities Association for the development of two tennis courts at Rosemarkie beach. One of the courts will be used as a multi-sports facility for activities such as walking football, hockey and five-a-side football.
Anne Philips, chairwoman of the amenities association, said they also secured funding from the programme in 2012 to develop a cafe at the beach. She said: “The cafe has proved to be popular with the community and visitors and has allowed us to raise income towards developing the sports area.”
The North Kessock Ticket Office Project Group will also receive LEADER funding of £59,406. The group has ownership of the derelict pier building in the village which houses an old ferry ticket office, waiting room and toilets.
The cash will help pay to restore the building to how it once looked in the 1950s when it functioned as a ticket office.
Margaret Macdonald, chairwoman of the project group, said works will involve restoring the public toilets and redeveloping the space to hold classes, discussions and exhibitions on art, heritage, nature and history.
The Inner Moray Firth North Local Area Partnership is responsible for delivering the LEADER programme in the Black Isle, Cromarty, Dingwall and Seaforth and Tain and Easter Ross.
It has approved funding of £172,854 to date and is encouraging potential applicants to come forward for a share of the remaining funds which must be committed by early 2019.
The money comes from the Scottish Government. LEADER stands for “links between activities developing the rural economy.”
For further information visit www.highlandleader.com or contact Ewen McIntosh, the LEADER development officer for the area. He can be contacted on 01463 702 259 or by emailing Ewen.McIntosh@highland.gov.uk
