Dalmore Community Cabin receives funding boost from the Port of Cromarty Firth

Dalmore Residents Association are one step closer to the construction of the Dalmore Community Cabin, thanks to support from the Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF).

A donation of £2500 from the Port of Cromarty Firth’s Community Sponsorship Programme will help fund the fully accessible community space, situated on a new housing estate surrounded by 16 wheelchair friendly homes. 

The cabin aims to be open by summer, and will organise regular activities and events for the local community, as well as host ‘drop-in’ sessions with external organisations such as Warm Homes Scotland, Citizen’s Advice and Social Security Scotland.

Ian Burnett, Chairman of the Dalmore Residents Association, said, “The aim of the cabin will be to help those who are less able, and to get them out of their houses to socialise and reduce feelings of isolation.

“We want people to get to know their neighbours. Most people don’t know their neighbours these days and we’d like to build a supportive community with opportunities to build new friendships.”

The addition of ‘drop-in’ sessions will give the community access to a wide range of support services, with assistance on benefits, cost-of-living and health support readily available.

PoCF Marketing and PR Manager, Alex Johnson, said: “The Port is delighted to work with new projects in the local community through the Community Sponsorship Programme.

“The Dalmore Community Cabin will transform the lives of those who feel excluded from society, through giving them an accessible local space to come together and get support and meet new people.”

The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of the local people. 

Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council. 

Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:

• Skills development, employability or job creation, 
• Vessel crew or passenger support, 
• Environmental protection or enhancement, 
• Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.

Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.