First Minister opens Lodge & Bunkhouse
Jack McConnell was bunking off his Holyrood duties this weekend and revisiting his childhood home to formally open a pioneering new community business on the Isle of Arran. The tiny community of Kilmory has pulled together a half a million pound project which has seen the dilapidated old village hall revamped into an exciting new venture which has been hailed as a model for the future of community development in Scotland.
Mr McConnell commented,' This project is a blue print for the type of sustainable community development the Scottish Parliament is seeking to encourage. This building facilitates the provision of a wide range of services at a local level, but more importantly, allows financial control to remain firmly in community hands.'
Located on the southern coast of the island with stunning views over the Firth of Clyde, the new building houses a 23 bed bunkhouse which is already attracting tourists to this part of Arran, benefitting local businesses and providing direct employment. The income generated from this entrepreneurial activity has allowed the community of just over 300 people to expand their village hall, incorporating some less traditional features, such as a GP's surgery and beauty treatment room.
First Minster for Scotland with the children of Kilmory Primary School on the steps of Kilmory Hall together with Project Manager Maureen McKenna, Hall Chairman Duncan Mulholland and Head Teacher Margaret Parker |
Mr McConnell being presented with a mug by Donald Mulholland, which had been designed by the schoolchildren |
Duncan Mulholland and Mr McConnell in one of the dormitories in the Bunkhouse |
The First Minister signing the Bunkhouse guestbook with Maureen McKenna |
The First Minister cutting the ribbon |
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