Enterprising trustees at the Comrie Development Trust have introduced an initiative at the village owned community asset at Cultybraggan Camp, which is expected to boost economic benefits and widen opportunities for community involvement.
Anyone in the local area can sign up for a rent free arrangement if they agree to do their bit for the exterior paintwork and make a commitment to undertake some basic restoration.
Making best use of the unrefurbished huts at the former army camp has previously presented challenges, but the new scheme will reduce the obstacles and engage volunteers in a project that is useful for themselves and good for the long term sustainability of the community resources.
The deal presents a wide range of possibilities for people in the area, as potential craft workshops or studios, offices for entrepreneurs on a shoestring or storage for expanding businesses or households.
“It’s a great deal”, said trustee Blair Urquhart. “We have earmarked six empty buildings initially, and now we have increased this number to 20.”
“We have mapped out a scheme that could see tenants getting up to 5 years free rent if they continue to improve the buildings. This is a real community venture enabling the village to benefit from the buy out.”
“Think of it like having an enormous garden shed where you can develop your dreams and ideas. Once the possibilities begin to emerge, I hope we will see craft workshops and offices, especially for young people looking for an alternative to moving away from home to find work. The potential for ultra high speed broadband at the Camp is getting closer and presents exciting opportunities for 2017.”
For more detailed information on this “Repair & Lease Scheme” call in at the Trust’s offices at Hut 3, Cultybraggan, where you can register an interest. We keep a waiting list of interested parties. Huts become available every so often.
You probably guessed that although the “rent” is definitely free, there are other costs like Service Charges and you will need to buy the paint and materials! Restoration can be expensive but also rewarding. Service Charges are applied to all the buildings on the Camp to cover the actual maintenance costs.
Find out more about the Repair & Lease Scheme in detail.
