1. February 2014

2. Background Scottish Government funding Scotland wide rural programme Partnership delivery by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and BIG Fund £9m over 4 years to March 2016

3. Aim Supporting rural communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets.

4. Projects supported That can contribute to the overall sustainability of a community or enable retention/provision of key local services through the acquisition of land or land assets

5. What can be funded? Land to enable local economic development Land for affordable housing Land for amenity, tourism and heritage development Strategic assets – shop, fuel stations

6. Who can apply? Organisational criteria: Community led/controlled Social purpose Open membership Non-profit distributing

7. Funding levels Grants from £10,000 to £750,000 Capital grants and revenue funding for up to 2 years is available Up to 95% of total project costs covered Min. 5% other funding required

8. Potential support for housing Likely scenarios include: Land purchase for the development of community-owned rented housing Acquisitions that include a housing element e.g. purchase of a whole estate

9. Possible scenarios Land purchase by the community – development by a housing association; requires clear rational for the community as purchaser. Land purchase to create housing plots or serviced sites for private self-build; likely to require a rural housing burden

10. Successful awards Mull and Iona Community Trust Proposal to purchase 2 plots near Ulva Ferry. One plot to develop 2 semi-detached rental homes Donated plot to be sold with Rural Housing Burden to provide capital Total grant £149,400

11. Successful awards Mull and Iona Community Trust Proposal to purchase 2 plots near Ulva Ferry. One plot to develop 2 semi-detached rental homes Donated plot to be sold with Rural Housing Burden to provide capital Total grant £149,400

12. Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Purchase of Bonar Bridge Post Office Only full-time PO in area Premises include flat and garden, shop, PO and sorting office Potential for additional housing Total grant £158,800

13. Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Purchase of Bonar Bridge Post Office Only full-time PO in area Premises include flat and garden, shop, PO and sorting office Potential for additional housing Total grant £158,800

14. Supporting information Evidence of housing need Clear demand for the units to be provided Appropriate planning status Availability of services Indication of development funding Proposals for on-going management Use of rural housing burden to protect affordability

15. Single Stage Application Phone or email BIG Eligible projects referred to HIE Complete and submit application with SLF advisor support SLF committee meeting a number of times a year Application awarded or rejected

16. Getting started See further guidance from BIG website: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scottishlandfund E-mail a summary of your project to: enquiries.scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk Call on 0300 123 7110

17. Questions?