August 2020 monthly update

Oakwood is open

We are delighted that Oakwood has been able to re-open. As before it is full of locally made craft items ranging from cards and framed watercolour paintings, to children’s toys and items made from uniquely printed fabric and Harris tweed. There is handmade jewellery and hand painted glassware, plus a selection of books from children’s stories to new publications by local authors, and a range of maps and walking guides.

While it is of great interest to visitors, we also urge all locals to call in and look around. It’s a great source of gifts and treats.

Even here we can’t avoid Covid, so modifications have been made to protect helpers and customers, and ensure you can shop in safety.

Oakwood manager Jane Mellis would love to hear from any local craft makers who would like to sell their products through Oakwood, and she is also keen to hear from any one who would be willing to volunteer to help in the shop for a few hours. Please contact Jane by email: oakwood@sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk

Support for Helping Hands

The Company is continuing to work with the Council and all the volunteers to help and support the more vulnerable members of our community. The Community Company, on behalf of the Community Council Helping Hands secured some additional funds from Highlands and Islands Enterprises (HIE) for Sunday lunches. The Sunday lunches will continue for the time being, being prepared by the Bothy Bar and the Ariundle Centre on alternate weeks. The Kilcamb Hotel is now open and so unable to continue, however, we would like to express our sincere thanks to them for assisting with the Sunday lunches during the period of the COVID 19 lock down.

Longrigg Woodland

The working group has been exploring all possible options for extracting the timber, which has taken quite some additional time. This has involved making more enquiries, seeking advice and working with the consultants on some further options for possible harvesting, extraction and restocking of the woodland. The consultants’ reports i.e. the feasibility study, business case, etc. are being finalised. It is the intention then to present the reports, findings and any recommendations at a public event, or events if social distancing requires more than one event. The aim being to provide the opportunity to discuss the matter and establish a consensus on which course of action might be preferred and how best to proceed. If a decision to proceed is made, the Community Company Board can submit an application to the Scottish Land Fund in February 2020. It will also be necessary to establish a new and larger committee to take the next phase forward.