The Comrie Development Trust (CDT) has embarked on a significant Heritage Self-Catering project to refurbish and protect 10 category B listed building nissen huts at Cultybraggan Camp, the best preserved P.O.W camp in Scotland. These huts are listed for their importance to the nation’s heritage and plans are in place to create self-catering and bunkhouse accommodation. A complex funding package has been drawn together and the final part provides an opportunity for individuals to invest in Community Shares to benefit the local economy by raising an additional £35,000.
CDT Chair Emma Margrett explained, “The community shares scheme has been launched to attract expressions of interest from individuals for the remaining £35,000. It is understood that those involved may also benefit from receiving interest payments on investment once the enterprise proves sustainable and in certain cases, may receive tax relief on their investment. The total building work for the Heritage Self-Catering project is estimated at £578,500 and a funding package has been put together with funds sought from Historic Scotland, Scottish & Southern Energy and the Heritage Enterprise fund. Heritage Hutting, taken together with the other projects, is estimated to potentially increase visitor levels to over 15,000 after 5 years creating the equivalent of 20 full time jobs and boosting the local economy by up to £2 million.”
Emma continued, “This is a really promising project and has only been possible due to the foresight of the community when they bought the Camp. The buildings will be restored to a condition as stipulated by Historic Scotland who has given their backing to the project offering a grant of up to £257,500. Historic Scotland’s grant offer is conditional upon proposals being approved and match funding being obtained. As part of this matched funding, the CDT secured a fund offer of £36,300 from Scottish & Southern Energy and we are looking to try to raise the remaining £35k through our new community shares offer, and an application to the Heritage Enterprise Fund.”
Dr Ann Petrie, Chair of Comrie Heritage Group stated, “This project is just one of a number of projects that CDT is working on to further progress at Cultybraggan and by investing in community shares, individuals will be helping to preserve part of the nation’s heritage and will contribute towards benefitting the community. Any surplus generated by the business will be invested in restoring the rest of Cultybraggan Camp and in helping community projects in Comrie.”
Dr Petrie added “The self-catering business will be managed by the Community Benefit Society. Part of the funding issued through the community shares offer will engage both the local community and those, particularly with a previous connection to the camp, looking to play a part in its preservation. The Trust will benefit from a long term rental revenue stream from this project which can be re-invested by the Trust in projects at the camp and in the wider community.”
To register your interest in the Heritage Self-Catering Community Shares email cdt@comriedevelopmenttrust.org.uk or telephone 01764 670769.
