Community / Funding boost for Whalsay Kirk project but more volunteers needed
A COMMUNITY group is calling on islanders to actively support the redevelopment of the vacant Whalsay Kirk after having been offered more than £80,000 towards the project.
The Scottish Land Fund announced on Tuesday that the Whalsay Kirk Development Company (WKDC) has been offered £81,265.
The money is to go towards buying the building from the Church of Scotland and turning it into “a multi-purpose space” that will include a visitor centre, art and crafts exhibition space with options for workshops and events.
WKDC has welcomed the announcement but said it needs more volunteers to turn their ambition into reality.
Everyone who would like to see the project progressing and could offer skills and commit time has now been invited to a public meeting on Wednesday (25 October) between 7pm and 8.30pm.
Speaking on behalf of WKDC, the group’s chairperson Thelma Stearn said: “We met with all our current members and supporters at the weekend to share the news and consider the way forward.
“We need more people who can commit to join us regularly or offer skills when required if we are to undertake the next phase of the project.
“We have pulled together an action list and work plan for the next four months so we can all see what is required.”
She added: “In the meantime we owe a huge thanks to Community Enterprise who undertook the feasibility study and produced our business plan, Malcolmson Architects for the beautiful plans and drawings, the support staff at Scottish Land Fund and all the people and agencies who have supported us throughout.”
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