This week, councillors on the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh committee approved the Community Regeneration Fund award which will go towards the £279,725 project within the existing and well-visited Outdoor Museum.

The project seeks to create an educational and interpretive structure that brings prehistoric Wester Ross to life.

Councillors agreed that the project will deliver benefits including heritage preservation, community wellbeing, skills training, education and tourism.

The project, which aims to boost local employment and volunteer opportunities, has demonstrated strong support in consultations with community groups.

The development phase of the project runs from June 2026 until June 2027, with construction and programming extending into 2028.

The CRF supports projects that increase community resilience, tackle poverty, address rural depopulation, aid economic recovery and promote climate action.

The committee also noted Ward Discretionary Fund applications have been approved from 1 January to 31 March 2026 and will support the following organisations:

• Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust – Micro Eco Village – £2,920
• Garve & District Development Company – Connecting Communities – £900
• Torridon District Community Association – Replace Stairlift at Loch Torridon Community Centre – £1,000
• Torridon & Kinlochewe Community Council – Purchase of Defibrillator for Community First Responder Scheme – £978
• Aultbea’s Men Shed – Purchase of corrugated roof for a second shed – £1,126.97
• Toybox Children’s Centre – Staff Training and Learning to Support Best Start for Children – £930.