Alness Initiative
The Alness Initiative was born out of a meeting in Alness in May 1995. It's purpose was to create a forum for the improvment of the Alness Area as:- A place to do business; create employment and develop business operations.
The idea was to be business led. This was, at the time, a period of high unemployment and lack of confidence in local businesses with a number of empty shop premises.
A meeting in July 1995 called by the Alness Business Association agreed that a body be set up and, to attempt to avoid controversy, that this body, while being business led, would also be representative of other Alness bodies. The membership was to be
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3 Alness Business Association members
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3 other business members
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3 members from Alness Community Council
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2 members from Alness Community Association
Local councillors were to be asked to attand as was a local RACE Director, council officials and RACE officials as demanded by the subject matter under discussion.
The first significant action came with a review of the current situation and the development of a shopping list for action and strengths. Some of the points raised were:
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Initial provision of floral features (which have now been well and truly developed!).
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Provision of an Alness Booklet with a business directory.
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Link in with other Initiatives in the Moray Firth Area as part of the Northern Periphery Programme.
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Attempt to encourage others to set up and develop businesses in Alness.
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Creation of Alness Website and promotional CD-ROM.
Some Current Activities:
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Footpath and Cycleway plans associated with Healthy Living and Safer Routes to School.
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Co-ordination of the European funded Community Economic Development Partnership.
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Supporting Environmental and Wildlife groups.
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Involvement in the new Northern Periphery programme on communities working together.
Alness Community Economic Development Partnership.
The CED programme provided funding for locally developed plans and projects. Any constituted community group in Alness can apply as can businesses where the project supports the wider community.
The Partnership will support community infrastructure and local services, environmental and cultural projects.
Total project costs must be less than £100,000 and the CED Partnership can fund up to 50% of the project costs. Projects must have matching funding from Highland Council, RACE, Lottery or Scottish Executive, but not other European money.
Possible Projects:
Projects funded to date:
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Kensal Community centre - extension
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Alness Heritage Group - archiving equipment
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Alness Community Association - digital copier/printer
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Really Marvellous Entertainers - portable stage, sound and lighting system.
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Alness Golf Club - funding for a Golf Professional
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Averon Leisure Centre - refurbishment of soft play area/flooring and gym.
If you are interested in finding out more about securing funding through Alness CED, contact Helen Houston, Project Officer on 01349 883005 or email aca.alness@btinternet.com
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