Building Briefs – October 26th

A 15 metre section of the road at Soldiers Rock on the Knoydart peninsula has collapsed due to a landslide.

This 4.8 mile single track road between Scottas and Airor is a lifeline road for the communities beyond the slip which include Airor, Doune and Sandaig.

Highland Council’s roads inspector was on site yesterday to carry out an initial inspection with a full engineering assessment planned for today. Preliminary plans have already been made for the transfer of staff and materials to the area and contact has been made with a local landing craft operator.

Due to the geographical and physical constraints it is anticipated that the repair will take several weeks depending on the availability of specialist equipment and materials.

In the meantime the local community have set up a “road shuttle” arrangement with a vehicle on either side of the landslip.

Aberdeen flats plan dropped

Developers have abandoned plans to replace a former electronics superstore in Aberdeen with a block of flats.

Last year, Raglan Development announced proposals to demolish the abandoned Currys PC World shop on Hutcheon Street to make way for a block of student accommodation, flats and serviced apartments comprising 650 beds.

The firm filed an application notice with Aberdeen City Council and a public exhibition was held last June, but the plans did not proceed any further.

A Raglan spokesman confirmed that “changes in the market” mean the scheme will not go forward.

He said: “The circumstances of the market have changed and we have decided not to progress with the application at present.”

Argyll regeneration projects shortlisted for funding

Six projects across Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig and Tarbert, aimed at regenerating the area, boosting the local economy and creating jobs, will be taken forward and share £3 million of funding from Argyll and Bute Council’s Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund.

At its recent meeting members of the Policy and Resources Committee agreed that the final list of projects, proposed by the local community through the Crinan Canal Charrette, Mid Argyll Initiative and Community Action Plans, should be progressed, subject to full business case approval and further feasibility studies.

Improvements to the Front Green in Lochgilphead would be allocated £1,420,000 from the fund and include new surfacing and seating, landscaping, replacement children’s play facilities and consideration of flood protection measures, making it a more attractive and usable public space for the local community and visitors.

£500,000 of funding has been allocated, to work with Scottish Canals, to redevelop the former Gleaner oil depot in Ardrishaig. The first phase would focus on the refurbishment of the shore side Egg Shed building to be used for a range of businesses including food and drink, crafts or artist workshops. The second phase could include a mix of housing and business space.

Improvements to visibility and safety at the Barmore Road and Garvel Road junction in Tarbert would cost £410,000, allowing the possibility of a new development to be accessed from off this junction

Members also agreed that £230,000 should be contributed to help make improvements to Tarbert Harbour, working with the Tarbert Harbour Authority to deliver new offices, additional car parking and toilets and enhance facilities for users.

£110,000 will be used to fund pavement improvements in Argyll Street, Lochgilphead between Colchester Square and the junction with Lorne Street and Union Street.

An allocation of £330,000 is proposed to make improvements to the public realm in Ardrishaig, between the North and Public Hall and the boatyard. Landscaping to the garden and shoreline areas as well as the shops and offices facing Chalmers Street would benefit.

The final list of six projects is the result of extensive discussions with the local community and followed a rigorous two-stage assessment of an original list of 42 projects.

40 new modern apprentices join West Lothian Council training scheme

West Lothian Council has welcomed 40 new modern apprentices to its training scheme for 2017.

The new apprentices will work across a wide range of service areas including; electrical, joinery, roofing, plastering, plumbing, painting and horticulture.

Opportunities have also been made available within the council wide apprenticeship programme for roles in IT, financial management and facilities management.

Additionally, this year a new partnership with Education Services has been established, offering young people the opportunity to work within our schools and nurseries while gaining the skills, knowledge and qualifications to become nursery practitioners.

Not-for-profit energy supplier launches Social Purpose Bond

Scottish not-for-profit energy supplier Our Power has launched a Social Purpose Bond which it says will allow it to increase its market share and deliver its social impact.

The Edinburgh-based company has secured £10 million to date in debt finance and is bringing a three-year, unsecured bond via the Ethex platform paying a return of 6.5% to raise £4.5m in working capital.

Launched in 2016 by social housing providers which includes housing associations and local authorities, Our Power was set up as a social enterprise with the aim of providing fair, affordable, clean and secure energy for all customers, while removing discrimination and poverty from the energy sector.

The minimum investment that an individual or organisation can make is £500 with no maximum. Our Power has received advanced assurance from HMRC that investment in this bond offer will be eligible for Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR), subject to an investor’s personal circumstances, current legislation and Our Power’s compliance with the rules.

The offer will remain open to applications up to the value of the maximum sum, or until 21st December 2017, whichever is the earlier. The directors may extend the offer at their discretion.

To find out more about Our Power’s Social Purpose Bond or to invest in the bond please visit here.