Foyers Bay Steering Group Report | 30 April 2021 | Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust

Foyers Bay Steering Group Report

Friday, 30 April 2021

On Wednesday 28^th April the Trust held the first Community Steering Group for Foyers Bay. This was the first of two initial meetings to bring community members up to speed on the project.

There is a ‘vision’ for the area but this will need consultation along the way to establish need. At present the only agreed current action from the community is putting in the slipway.

What is clear is community need, planning, match funding, a robust business/service plan and any substantial spend of community funds have to be agreed with our funders. The land is only leased and this will determine future developments beyond the slipway, if any.

After a number of investigations the British Waterways standard fresh water slipway has been recommended.

£70,000 of match funding has been agreed with Highland Council to meet the cost of this. The architect Mike Lawson has been approached to take planning forward and construction work required is being investigated.

The Trust appreciates this project up to this point has taken time. To support volunteers the Trust is putting forward (staff) to support volunteers and develop project and business plans. We do believe once the slipway is put in the users may consider further development of the site if it is possible.

THOUGHTS FROM MEETING

After the initial presentation we asked participants the thoughts on what they had heard.

It was felt the the project was starting to address some concerns previous to this meeting.
Starting with the slip is a good starting point and will provide a better foundation for what people will want next. It was noted the current lease only allows for the slipway and storage/parking and the slipway is all that has been evidenced what the community wants at this stage.
A step by step approach is welcome Harmony between Foyers Bay and Foyers Pier would be welcome.
People getting engaged on improving the look of the site now would also be welcome so there is a sense of ‘ownership’.
Abandoned boats and owned moorings should be considered. It was clarified fisherman are already paying a nominal rent on land leased by the community.
Those who attended would be keen to use current slipway and access to secure compound. Maintenance of area after slipway built is more challenging than building the slipway.
Those attending were advised to engage with the current Community Action Plan, as this will establish ‘need’ in the community
The Group of Directors have been concerned at the pace of moving projects forward and have taken on staff such as the Trust Manager, Project Manager and Project Plans over last six months. We are also aware some legacy projects are perceived by some that they have not been rooted in the community and community need. The Community Action Plan (CAP) may evidence that but we are also engaging community steering groups such as this so they help drive it forward, encourage people to help and guide the Trust Directors when making decisions.

It was noted that £70,000 of the £80,000 cost of the slipway is being covered by Highland Council. The CAP will establish community need on several projects. Advised everyone to engage with CAP. If there is no evidence of community ‘need’ or community engagement this will make match funding difficult for any project.

A few actions came out of the suggestions at the steering group;

Action: Tidying up the area / housekeeping would be welcome, preferably with volunteers getting engaged and ‘owning’ the site. As there is a secure compound and usage already this should be shared with the community using the Trusts new communication channels. Some trees would have to be cut back to able rigging in the compound.

Action – Intention to advertise widely and have another follow up meeting. Only half of the people who intended to come to meeting have attended on Zoom tonight

Action – Share a news story about the meeting. Share notes from this meeting. Share slipway plan. Share survey to steering group participants to establish involvement and ideas.

Action – Proceed with planning of Slipway

Thanks to everyone who attended the meeting and we hope to organise a second opportunity to hear about the current plans for Foyers Bay soon.

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