Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the news that two groups have secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “The Big Lottery Fund is a great way of highlighting and supporting the valuable contribution that local groups make to our communities.

The Knoydart Foundation has received a grant of £9,682 to install a composting toilet for visitors to the beach area of the estate that the foundation manages. The funding will cover the transportation of materials, the installation of the toilet and the construction of a drainage system. The toilet will also be fitted with solar lighting.

The Skye and Lochalsh Disable Ramblers has received a grant of £9932 to purchase equipment, including electric mobility scooters. The scooters will be suitable for forestry tracks, significant gradients and irregular surfaces, and the grant will also cover a three year maintenance package and breakdown cover.

Adding to this, Dave said: “The toilet at Knoydart will improve the experience of visitors to the beach and wider area. The fact that the facility will be composting and have solar powered lighting also mean this is a sustainable and environmentally friendly development. I would like to congratulate Mr Tommy McManmon on securing this funding through the Awards for All programme.

“The purchase of scooters will allow members of the Skye and Lochalsh Disable Ramblers to access a wider area, and will also mean that their activities are open to a greater number of people. This is a fantastic initiative that helps to promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone in the community, especially those with mobility issues who might otherwise struggle to see and appreciate our beautiful scenery.

Mrs Nicola Rust is to be congratulated on securing this grant, and I wish both groups every success.”