Author Archive | Richard Heggie

Update – Shoreline Project, Bowmore, Islay

DSCF2519

 

Since our last update on the Shoreline Project at Bowmore, Islay, in September 2014, progress on site has been good. All the buildings are in place with roofs and windows fitted. The form of the development can be clearly seen already – a street with an urban character, reflecting the local context at Bowmore’s historic planned village.

The view down the street shows Loch Indaal in the distance, across the High School playing fields and the north western part of the Shoreline site. The next phase of the development, which is at the design stage, will keep this view open. Bowmore is well connected to its surrounding landscape and the Shoreline development aims to consolidate that attractive character.

DSCF2536

There’s an interesting pattern of pitched roofs emerging, with the development integrating neatly with the Bowmore Distillery bonds, just across the street. Once the white rendered wall finish is completed the houses should sit comfortably alongside these historic structures.

The houses are a little exposed in the wider landscape at the moment but as the development proceeds it will connect the buildings, spaces and routes at the dishevelled, unplanned western edge of Bowmore.

DSCF2560

Promoted by Islay Estates Company, the project will deliver around 150 houses, employment opportunities and a mix of other uses. This first phase of 20 affordable homes is funded by Argyll & Bute Council and the Scottish Government. The houses will be owned and managed by ACHA – Argyll Community Housing Association.

Another update soon…..

 

Great Bernera Feasibility Study

DSCF2469

We’ve started work on a Feasibility Study for a community land buy out at Great Bernera in the Western Isles. The project is for the Great Bernera Community Trust and is led by Calum Macleod, who is currently completing a similar study at the nearby Barvas Estate (http://www.calummacleod.info/).

The Great Bernera Estate includes Little Bernera and amounts to around 5200 acres. It’s officially part of Lewis although it has a distinctive sense of its own place. Most of the land is in crofting tenure, there’s a pier in active use for business and leisure and a good range of local services located in the centre of the island.

Bostahd Beach, at the north of the island, sits in front of an iron age settlement which was exposed by storms in 1993. One of the houses has been rebuilt as a heritage attraction. Even on a day scoured by the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo, it was easy to see the attraction of this beautiful place to our predecessors.

The proposed buy out is an amicable arrangement between the two parties and a good example of how the growth of community land ownership can proceed towards the Scottish Government’s target of 1 million acres by 2020. The study is scheduled for completion in January 2015. Updates to follow….