Building Briefs - July 7th

Projects for attracting tourists, creating new jobs and boosting economic growth in coastal communities will receive £4.3 million funding.

Initiatives which will improve coastal paths, transform harbours and create new visitor attractions are among the 18 recipients of the latest round of the Coastal Communities Fund.

Projects awarded funding include:

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “With more than 10,000 miles of stunning coastline in Scotland we need to do all we can to protect the marine environment that lives there and to help people living and working in these areas make the most of the economic opportunities on offer.

“This latest £4.3 million investment delivers on our commitment to supporting fishing and coastal communities and includes a range of exciting projects that will improve paths and facilities and create new opportunities to attract tourists.”

James McLuckie, vice chairman of the Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust in Argyll and Bute said: “We are very grateful to the Coastal Communities Fund for their support. As well as retaining direct employment this funding will help us to achieve our goal for the Cowal Way to become recognised as a World Class Multi User Tourism Path.”

Gordon Macdonald, project chair of Harris Development Limited said: “The recent award of £300,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund has completed the £1.35 million funding package required to create the Harris Marina Hub, a project which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area through the development of marine tourism.

“The ‘hub’ will complete a chain of pontoon facilities including Stornoway, Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale and Castlebay, which will help to consolidate and enhance the reputation of the Outer Hebrides as a premium sailing and cruising destination.”

£750,000 Colzium improvements welcomed

One of North Lanarkshire’s best-known historic buildings has been given a new lease of life following an extensive renovation and modernisation development.

The 200-year-old former chapel and theatre on the Colzium Estate in Kilsyth has benefited from a £750,000 improvement programme following a long campaign to secure its future.

Cllr Heather McVey, Chair of CultureNL, which will manage the facility on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The building fell into disrepair when the theatre it housed closed in the 2000s.

“A number of options were looked at for the building and everyone was committed to saving this building as a vital part of the estate.

“I’m pleased to say that once again it will become a community asset to be proud of in one of Kilsyth’s most important greenspaces.”

The newly reopened facility comprises a compact visitor centre, café and toilet complex, improved access to the Colzium Walled Garden and a new disabled car park.

A 1970s extension was demolished and replaced with an outdoor café area and the 152-year-old clock restored.

Jillian Ferrie, chief executive of CultureNL added: “There has never been a better time to visit Colzium House: creating a much-needed cafe, toilet and visitor facilities will make a real difference to the children, families and walkers who regularly use this park, as well as ensuring the Colzium Estate can continue to provide an important leisure and cultural resource both for local communities and visitors to this area.”

Scottish Enterprise CEO to step down

Scottish Enterprise has confirmed that its chief executive Lena Wilson is to step down after nearly eight years in the job. Ms Wilson told the organisation’s employees of her decision this morning.

She said: “It has been a real honour and privilege to work with so many talented people who want to make a positive difference for Scotland, but it is now time for me to embark on a fresh set of challenges.”

SE Chairman Bob Keiller said: “Lena has done an outstanding job as CEO, driving a much more international mindset across the whole organisation and overseeing record levels of innovation and growth among the companies SE works with as a result.

“I would like to thank her for her leadership and her service over many years.”

He added: “A plan to appoint a successor is being developed and details of this will be released in due course.”

Work on a £350,000 Leuchars rail hub car park extension project complete

A scheme at Leuchars rail station car park to create an extra 178 parking spaces including nine disabled parking spaces has been completed.

In addition, four electric vehicle charging points have been installed and a further two will be installed over summer.

Speaking after the extension was opened, Cllr Altany Craik said: “This represents a significant investment to support the use of public transport. The council has contributed £350k to create 178 new parking spaces at Leuchars and there are now nine disabled parking spaces.

“This responds to long-standing local demand and I hope more people will now use the train, both for their commute and leisure purposes, helping Fife stay cleaner and greener.”

Work underway on Moray water mains repair project

Work has started on a water mains repair project in Moray.

The scheme is taking place on the A96 at West Road in Elgin.

A lane closure will be required and a diversion route will be in place during the works.

Scottish Water said: “This work will be going ahead from Thursday 6th July at 6am through to Friday 7th July at 6am to allow the repair to be complete and the reinstatement to settle.

“Scottish Water would urge drivers to use alternative routes or the diversion route during this period and we would like to thank local residents for their patience as this essential repair is carried out.”