Refurbishment works enhance the Kinloch Community Hub

NHS Western Isles has provided Kinloch Historical Society £15,000 in capital grant funding to support refurbishment works at the Kinloch Community Hub.

The Kinloch Community Hub is a vital focal point for a wide range of community activities in the Kinloch area. It hosts numerous local groups for meetings and events, and its café serves as a welcoming space for those who may be living alone or feeling isolated.

As a central gathering place, the Hub plays an important role in promoting health and wellbeing. It provides opportunities for social interaction and community engagement, which are essential for many residents.

Regular groups using the Hub include:

• Kinloch Krafters – a group of women of all ages who meet weekly to share craft skills and socialise.
• Warm Hub Group – offering lunch every Friday.
• Alzheimer’s Group – meeting regularly to provide support and connection for those with Alzheimer’s and their carers.

In addition to these groups, the Hub hosts various community events each week. It is also a popular stop for walkers and cyclists on the Hebridean Way, providing access to scenic routes such as Aline Community Woodland, Balallan, Laxay, and Keose.

The grant has funded several key improvements, including:

• Installation of a new double door for the café area.
• New windows in the toilets.
• Enhanced lighting at the main entrance.
• Repositioned railings at the entrances.
• Application of preservative to external timber.
• Exterior painting of the building.
• Purchase of catering equipment for community use.

Kenneth R Mackay, Chairperson, Kinloch Historical Society, said: “The refurbishment project has enabled us to tackle areas within the building that needed remedial work. It ensures the long-term future of the building as an important community resource.”

Diane Macdonald, Director of Human Resources & Workforce Development, NHS Western Isles, said: “We are really pleased to support the refurbishment works at the Kinloch Community Hub. This space is so important to the local community and allows them to come together, socialise, and look after each other.”

This funding was made available to NHS Western Isles as capital grant funding, separate to revenue and capital core funding allocations for patient care and NHS services/staff. NHS Western Isles understands how difficult the financial situation can be for the third sector and not for profit organisations and bids for Capital Grant funding from NHS Scotland to help support these groups.