Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - Community Support Network

Area Information : Uig and Bernera

Examples of On-going Work:

Uig Development Trust / Uig Community Co-operative - Development of Uig Community Shop

Uig

Uig Community Co-operative is a lifeline service to the 419 residents of Uig, 35 miles from the nearest town on the Isle of Lewis. With the support of an overwhelming 90% of the community, Uig Development Trust was set up to purchase and manage the shop, filling station and surrounding land when the facility was put up for sale in 2003. However, customers had to negotiate a rough, pot-holed entrance and parking area to get to the shop. Visually the area was an eyesore, and moreover posed threats to safety to pedestrians and vehicles, and barriers to access, particularly for children, and elderly, infirm, and disabled people.

The Development Trust raised over £70,000 to address these safety and access concerns by landscaping; reinforced surfacing; the creation of marked parking bays, including those specifically for disabled people; the creation of a 6m curved entrance/ exit area for vehicles; lighting for the area; the removal of old oil tankers; the installation of an overspill interceptor and alarm system for the petrol pump.

The scheme has transformed the area in to a safe, welcoming community facility with equal access to all. Uig Development Trust is now in the process of developing plans for an extension to the successful shop, for which £110,000 has been raised to date.

Uig Community Shop before work was completed.
((c) Keith Stringer, Uig Media)

Uig Community Shop after work was completed.
((c) Keith Stringer, Uig Media)

Bernera Community Association - Bernera Horticultural Project

Great Bernera

The Bernera Community Association has successfully applied for £50,000 RSPA funding this year, the bulk of which will go towards the development of Bernera Horticultural Project adjacent to the community centre: this project has great support from the community and has been spurred on by the desire to make fresh, healthy local produce available in the local shop, and to create volunteering and possibly part-time employment opportunities.

Land has been secured adjacent to the community centre in Breaclete, and experts have been brought in to advise on the types of structures, equipment and facilities that will be needed to make the project a success. It is hoped that construction will begin in October this year, and at least 7 volunteers will be trained in horticultural production, providing fresh fruit and veg to the local community.