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Loch Development Group

February 2021

Winter weather and lockdown has slowed work on the shed although Jeremy has been painting over the rust spots weather permitting and Tim has made some great new doors. New roofing materials will be delivered soon. Eric Shackleton from the Sunart Men’s Shed has made a beautiful set of steps so already the shed is being used as a changing space for the open water swimmers. Roll on the summer!

December 2020

Having succeeded in raising £4,000 to refurbish the Sunart jetty and Green Shed, local volunteers have started work so it can be ready for next season. New doors are being built, new roofing panels purchased and there has been a clear out of the shed ready for the changing cubicles, window and sheltered seating to go in. If you want to help please get in touch.

October 2020

We would like to thank Mallaig Marine for returning this year to service the new visitor moorings, and to untangle the one which got caught up with a private mooring. As a result we now have a spare mooring block which will be used to moor the raft inshore, which will shortly be undergoing repairs and improvements.

A couple of moorings have broken free over the last 12 months and moorings holders are reminded to regularly inspect them and to make sure all vessels have insurance.

Can we make a plea to all users of the jetty. Please do not park anywhere near the gates even if you think no one is using the jetty. Vehicles towing trailers need to swing in towards the gates to avoid having to reverse in from the main road, which may cause a traffic obstruction. If the car park is full please park beyond the cattle grid. (We are working on in-creasing the space available.

Fingers crossed – we are waiting to hear if our funding application to upgrade and convert the green shed into a changing room and viewing shelter will be accepted. If so we will have a smart new shed for next season.

About the Loch development group

This group of ~12 volunteers came together following a community workshop in early 2017.

The aims of the loch development group are:

  1. To investigate ways in which Loch Sunart can contribute to the Aim with the primary focus on the upper reaches of the loch from Resipole, east.
  2. To assess the feasibility of making improvements to the marine infrastructure, and other loch related facilities.
  3. To consult the community and other stakeholders (loch users, landowners, Crown Estate, relevant businesses etc) regarding plans and to communicate and promote progress
  4. To seek financial support (grant funding, loans, investments, donations etc) for any planned activities and developments, as appropriate
  5. To engage such individuals, companies and organisations as are required to facilitate the activities of the working group.
  6. To promote greater use of the loch and a wider range of activities, whilst applying the principals of environmental and financial sustainability.

The Loch Development Group operates under the Sunart Community Company and the company mission to Keep Sunart A Great Place to Live Work and Visit.

In early 2018 the group successfully installed three visitor moorings, with the help of funding from the Sunart Communtiy Benefit Fund. We are monitoring use and the numbers of boats coming up the loch.

We are in the process of taking on ownership of the Jetty, Tin Shed and Carpark area from the Highland Council. Once ownership is transferred to the community we will be able to work towards transforming the gateway to the village and improving the quality and provision of facilities in the area.

Documents including minutes associated with the group can be found in the documents section and here: LDG Documents