|
Home > Programme Update > Case Studies
ERDF & 3rd party EAGGF
Priority One: Increasing Business Competitiveness, Creating Employment and Increasing Incomes
Stimulate Private Sector Investment in Existing and New Businesses
The Ice Factor
A £2 million project has brought a B-Listed carbon bunker back to life after previously being used in the former aluminium smelting industry.
Kinlochleven’s Ice Factor houses the world’s largest permanent indoor ice climbing wall along with a 1,000 sq metre competition standard climbing wall.
It has created 18 new jobs in a remote and peripheral area. The centre – which has already been awarded National Centre of Excellence status by the Mountaineering Council for Scotland – will also be developed into a first-rate training centre for local mountaineering instructors and guides. A sauna, multi-gym, child activity area and café were also incorporated into the overall development.
Other funding for this project came from Kinlochleven Land Development Trust, Lochaber Enterprise, Scottish Sports Lottery Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
| Measure |
1.2 |
| Sponsor |
Kinlochleven Land Development Trust |
| Eligible Project Costs |
£1,747,000 |
| Grant Award |
£702,000 |
| Grant Rate |
40.18% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Culloden Battlefield Memorial Project
In 2007 the Highlands and Islands of Scotland will play host to a “Year of Culture”. The aim of this event is to promote the area as a great place to live and visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future.
ERDF is supporting several projects which will form an integral part of the year of celebrations, e.g. Eden Court, Fàs Media and Cultural Centre at Sabhal mor Ostaig, and Culloden Battlefield.
No other place name in Scottish history stirs the emotions more than Culloden. £2.3m of ERDF grant will contribute towards a new visitor centre which will provide not just physical interpretation of the events surrounding the infamous battle but also a spiritual connection. On this basis, the new Centre will act as a flagship project for Scotland’s Highland Year of Culture.
| Measure |
1.2 |
| Sponsor |
National Trust for Scotland |
| Eligible Project Costs |
£7,503,806 |
| Grant Award |
£2,300,928 |
| Grant Rate |
30.66% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Support Development of Innovation and R&D, including Industry-Academic Links
The Kelvin Centre
North Highland College, based in Thurso, has led on three ERDF supported R&D projects all of which specialise in environmental research.
In 2000, the Kelvin Centre was set-up with focus on four main areas: Materials examination; Environmental and Natural Products Unit – use of natural products for a range of environmental remediation tasks and their potential business development opportunities; Sustainable Development – investigating sustainable development issues relevant to the region particular solar cells and fuel cells; and Climate Change – work in relation to the impact of climate change in the region.
Through the Analytical Services project in 2002, the scope of the Kelvin Centre was extended to provide further revenue support for researchers and associated costs to provide a high quality, broad capability analytical service to support economic and environmental sustainability in general but focusing on two main sectors: Marine Aquaculture and Resources and the Oil Related Industry (Hydrocarbon analysis in waste streams). Work included the establishment of procedures and assays with a view to developing a commercial test facility. The focus is on: a) The analysis of pesticide residues in farmed salmon tissue; b) Analysis of carotenoids from natural sources; c) High levels of hydrocarbon in effluent waste.
Funds were also awarded in 2002 to undertake a Sustainable Strategy for Water Treatment. Initial studies have demonstrated the value of natural waste product materials, such as crab carapace, woodbark and seaweed as biosorbents, for the treatment of waste water. Full development trials are now required to assess the viability and potential for commercialisation. This will involve the following:
* Additional bench and pilot research trials to optimise processing of the materials;
* Assist with biosorbent processing plants located in Scrabster and Lochinver (or similar);
* Effluent treatment trials in association with major highland industries, e.g. distilleries.
Together, it is anticipated that these projects will create 20 new and safeguard 108 existing jobs. Some 40 new or improved processes will be introduced by businesses as a result with 10 IPR registrations.
| Measure |
1.3 |
| Sponsor |
North Highland College |
| Joint Eligible Project Costs |
£1,437,950 |
| Joint ERDF Award |
£530,501 |
| Average Grant Rate |
37% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Overcoming Market Failure in the Provision of Serviced Sites and Premises for Business
Highlands and Islands MediCentre
The MediCentre will provide incubator and laboratory space, lecture theatres, breakout spaces, a library, dental institute and clinical skills centre. Lifescan Scotland (part of Johnson and Johnson), who is a world leader in the development of diabetes healthcare, have an Inverness base and is a partner in the project and plan to place around 10 Researchers in the centre and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will forster bio-medical company start-ups/spin-outs in the incubator units. The Universities of Stirling and Aberdeen and NHS Education for Scotland are further partners in the centre.
The key stakeholders believe that the MediCentre offers the region the opportunity to take a lead in Scotland in developing a multi-user bio-medical research, education and business incubation facility. The co-location of multiple users within the centre addresses several policies encourage integrated healthcare training and delivery. Upon completion, it is anticipated that the Centre will be able to assist 22 businesses, and generate 168 new jobs.
| Measure |
1.4 |
| Sponsor |
Highlands and Islands Enterprise |
| Eligible Project Costs |
£14,898,959 |
| Grant Award |
£2,700,000 |
| Grant Rate |
18.12% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Priority Two: Creating Conditions for Regional Competitiveness
Strategic Investments for Regional Competitiveness
Transport Infrastructure
ERDF has funded a number of road infrastructure projects leading on from investments made under the Objective One Programme, e.g. A851 Broadford – Armadale, A830 Arisaig – Loch nan Uamh. The various phases of the Achnasheen – Kinlochewe road upgrade have dramatically improved this key route to the west coast aiding businesses, tourism and local communities. £3.6million was awarded to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to complete the Western Isles Spinal Route. Funds from both this Programme and the previous one were awarded to this area to upgrade or, where necessary, create ferry infrastructure throughout the islands chain. This award will upgrade the linking roads between these points.
| Measure |
2.1 |
| Sponsors |
The Highland Council, Comhaire nan Eilean Siar |
| Joint Eligible Project Costs |
£45,578,250 |
| Joint Grant Award |
£11,449,644 |
| Average Grant Rate |
25% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Improve the Provision of Energy Networks, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Exploitation of Renewable Energy Potential
With an abundance of wind, wave, tidal, hydro and bio fuels, the Highlands and Islands is fast becoming one of Europe’s top locations for the development and exploitation of renewable energy.
One of the key objectives of the Programme is to encourage more projects to come forward to take advantage of the opportunities offered by renewable energy. Communities and businesses can benefit from such investment in terms of either cheap heat and power supplies or an exportable generator of revenue.
Promoting Unst Renewable Energy (PURE)
On the Shetland island of Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island, the PURE project has received ERDF support to combine wind generation with hydrogen production. This helps the community development organisations who operate it generate low cost self sustaining power for a local industrial estate. The small scale wind turbine creates electricity which is used to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water. The hydrogen can be used to power vehicles or for heating, lighting and electricity purposes, whilst the oxygen is used in the local aquaculture industry. This low impact form of energy production helps support community viability, but also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and Government environmental targets.
Community Renewable Support Fund
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is using ERDF to help reduce waste energy from several new community buildings. With energy efficiency a key government environmental target, the Council is using new glazing technologies, computerised heat monitoring systems, appropriate insulation and solar panels to save energy and cut revenue expenditure.
| Measure |
2.3 |
| Sponsors |
Unst Partnership, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar |
| Joint Eligible Project Cost |
£798,805 |
| Joint Grant Award |
£309,432 |
| Average Grant Rate |
39% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Community and Social Infrastructure
Hoy Outdoor Centre
ERDF assistance was awarded to Orkney Islands Council to expand an outdoor centre into a 620sq metre community facility. As well as providing an important amenity for local people, it acts as a learning centre and information point on both the unique natural environment of Hoy as well as its most famous landmark, The Old Man of Hoy.
Assynt Centre
In July ’05 the Assynt Centre, a multi-purpose youth and community facility was opened in Lochinver, Sutherland. It offers access to a wide range of facilities from a youth café, fitness suite and sports hall, to a computer for those wanting to improve their skills or extend their studies. The development was driven forward by Assynt Leisure a community-led charitable company in association with youth and other organisations. The community itself raised an impressive £60,000 towards the overall project costs.
Glengarry Community and Tourist Centre
Extensive community consultation and ERDF support resulted in the completion of a new centre for residents of the Glengarry area, Lochaber. With a strong focus as a venue for social and cultural events, it also acts as a centre for the young and disadvantaged groups. Access to lifelong learning at the centre will help young mothers and unemployed people, and an archive centre will promote the history and cultural heritage of the area.
| Measure |
2.5 |
| Sponsors |
Various |
| Joint Eligible Project Costs |
£2,203,583 |
| Joint Grant Award |
£880,447 |
| Average Grant Rate |
40% |
| Fund |
ERDF |
|
Priority Four: Assisting Rural Communities Sub Priority A: Rural Development and Fisheries
Agricultural Business Diversification Scheme (ABDS)
Since its launch in early 2001, ABDS has seen over 682 applicants receive approval for more than £8.2 million of grant aid in a diverse range of projects worth around £24 million.
The Scheme is aimed at farmers and crofters and their immediate family, and consists of two main elements:
1. assistance towards investment in agricultural holdings; and
2. assistance towards the development of new, or the expansion of existing, diversification enterprises.
Diversification projects must be innovative and result in viable business enterprises that will increase the income generating capacity of the farming family.
Following are a three examples of successful projects:
Badden Farm Nursery
Five full-time jobs were created when a new nursery opened in Lochgilphead, Argyll, in July ’03. A £40,000 grant from EAGGF was provided under the diversification element of the scheme. The opening of this centre, which caters for babes and pre-school children, came as a welcome relief to young families where the only other nursery in the area had a long waiting list for places.
Glachbeg Croft Education Centre
Based on the Black Isle, Ross-shire, this is a 14 acre croft which received assistance to provide an innovative and environmentally friendly agriculture, environment and heritage facility. It combines the functions of a city farm, field studies centre, community centre and training facility for adults with special needs. Provision of educational day programmes for schools and ‘in service’ education for teachers, means the ‘outdoor classroom’ concept helps support school curriculum areas and promotes education in food production and countryside/sustainability issues. Training is also provided in a variety of traditional and rural skills and the centre will provide a platform for other organisations to offer their own programmes.
Blue Pig Studio
On the family croft at Upper Caloway on the Isle of Lewis, Jane Harlington has used ABDS funding to erect a building that houses an art gallery, shop and workshop for her two year old art and crafts business. “Back to Back Art” offers art classes and a venue to display work by herself and others. The gallery will also encourage visitors and locals to stop off and browse, giving the Carloway area an added boost.
Enhancement and Maintenance of the Environment and Rural Heritage
Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre
An award of £150,000 of EAGGF assistance was provided to Scottish Natural Heritage to allow Beinn Eighe – Britain’s first designated National Nature Reserve – to provide sensitively designed and innovative interpretation as well as a series of path improvements. The innovative approach and involvement with the Fieldfare Trust, who advise on access to the countryside for the disabled, has allowed a wider range of users to experience the rich wildlife and geology the Wester Ross reserve has to offer.
In 2003 the Centre received a Special Category Award in the Interpret Britain and Ireland Awards.
| Measure |
4a3ii |
| Sponsor |
Scottish Natural Heritage |
| Eligible Project Costs |
£485,598 |
| Grant Award |
£150,000 |
| Grant Rate |
30.89% |
| Fund |
EAGGF |
|
|
