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Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust Part 1: Community and Business Consultation for the development of the Kyle of Sutherland Prepared By Solutions for Scottish Business Ltd. 33 Glenburn Drive Inverness IV2 4NE Contents Contents ............................................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 3 Introduction and Methodology ............................................................................................. 8 Business Analysis................................................................................................................. 10 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 10 Existing businesses .......................................................................................................... 10 Business survey responses .............................................................................................. 10 Community Analysis ............................................................................................................ 15 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 15 Transport ........................................................................................................................ 24 Housing and Energy ......................................................................................................... 24 Sports facilities, Leisure & Social...................................................................................... 27 Business and Community Support ................................................................................... 28 Conclusions ......................................................................................................................... 29 Appendix A – Business Survey ............................................................................................. 30 Appendix B – Community Survey......................................................................................... 33 Appendix C – Community Information Feedback Falls of Shin ............................................. 38 Executive Summary The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT) is the community development service, covering the districts of Ardgay and Creich. Its aim is to ensure that long-term, sustainable benefits are achieved throughout the community and the Kyle of Sutherland area by making best use of funding from local wind farms and renewable energy projects, while ensuring all match funding opportunities are identified and secured. To achieve this they have become involved in a range of projects and activities. HIE commissioned Solutions for Scottish Business Ltd. (SSB) to consult the community to establish their views on KoSDT’s projects and activities and capture their suggestions for other projects. The Research was carried out by way of individual face to face and telephone interviews, open public consultations in village halls, on-line and paper questionnaires and use of social media. This was supported by discussion with other stakeholders including officials from local authorities and development agencies. Two different survey forms were used, one for businesses (Appendix A) and one for the community (Appendix B). Based on standard industry methods to ensure validity of the survey, the sample size returned in both surveys provided a level of confidence which truly reflects the target population as precisely as required. Business Analysis There is a broad mix of businesses within the Kyle of Sutherland area, the majority of which are small. However, there are a significant number of large estates in the area. The steady business start up rate over the last 9 years with an average of 4 new businesses per year is in line with the national average and shows the existence of entrepreneurial spirit. Business Needs Through the surveys and discussions, businesses identified their priorities as; • Development of broadband and mobile communications to allow them not just to compete but to participate fully in the market place. • Investment in or support of hospitality based business to bring people into the area. • Improvement in transport links to and from the area. 3 Businesses rely primarily on consumers locally and at a national level, and support other local businesses where possible. They regard the Post Office as a local resource which must remain to ensure the long term sustainability of the economy. The predominance of local markets was also reflected strongly in the growth expectations; however a worrying number are not positive about the future potential for growth. In addition there were unmet needs for land/premises to expand into. Recommendations Broadband It is understood that there may be progress announced by BT in March. Should this not be satisfactory then progress should be pursued through Community Broadband Scotland. The Trust should keep a watching brief on the roll out of broadband and should this not be satisfactory they should take an active role in partnership with Community Broadband Scotland. Hospitality A long term plan for the Trust would be to consider the purchase of a hospitality related business and/or land for caravan/self catered accommodation. Business Expansion/start up units Working with HIE, Business Gateway and Highland Council the Trust could actively develop a business plan for the purchase or set up of small scale industrial units for start ups and expansion of established businesses. In the short term they could develop the potential for pop up businesses within empty premises. Community Analysis The aim was to establish a baseline for people’s views on the current provision of services in the area and highlight their needs, expectations and aspirations. Respondents and consultees covered the geographical area and age ranges. Feedback on current services indicated that job opportunities, sports facilities, shops, leisure, fast broadband and transport are the largest areas of concern for local residents. They rated current and past KoSDT projects, ranking the potential Post Office buy out as being the most important. The community ranked the most important potential areas for KoSDT to be involved in (in order of importance) as tourism, business and leisure. Transport was also raised within the discussions as a vital area for consideration. A significant number of people were unaware of the Trust’s activities. 5 Recommendations The Trust should actively look at ways of increasing its exposure in the area. Looking further at the community’s specific priorities: Tourism Tourism was identified as a major priority for the area. Concern was expressed at the negative impact of a number of factors, primarily lack of facilities and quality accommodation; poor marketing and poor transport links and road infrastructure. The proposed branding of the area as ‘Salmon Country’ was perceived as too restrictive by a significant proportion of respondents and consultees. Recommendations Designated marketing advice should be sought as to the branding of the area. A number of events should be developed to attract both day visitors and locals. There is potential to capitalise on the growth in adventure sports, cycling and walking. The requests for food, drink and music events could be supported through the established gala weeks and community festivals. Accessing funding and facilitating improvements to the signage and general physical improvements to the villages, would enhance the sense of care and attractiveness, making the area more appealing. Training should be organised for local providers through “Welcome Host” which could act as a catalyst to raising the expectations for the businesses and re-energise them for the future. Investment in Falls of Shin or purchase or development of other local tourist based businesses should be investigated. Transport There was a strong feeling that public transport links are inadequate to allow local people to access services and also encourage people to visit the area. Recommendations KoSDT lobby transport providers to create and deliver services that fit the community needs. The Trust should look at working in partnership with the Community Transport Association to develop innovative services. Electric cars/minibus that can run regularly between the two villages could create an interesting project while providing a clear sense of linked community between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge. 6 Housing and Energy The majority of respondents felt that house prices within the area were affordable and no great demand for new housing was required at this time. Fuel poverty is above the national norm with a number spending a large proportion of their income on fuel. Recommendations KoSDT develops closer links with those providers who already provide energy advice services. The priority would be to communicate/signpost and support those who require these services through tenants groups, community forums and information bulletins on its own website. Further investigation and the setting up of fuel clubs for oil, gas, wood, coal and wood pellet could be considered as a method of supporting people facing fuel poverty. Ongoing assessment regarding potential community renewable projects should be considered for wind turbines, solar

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