05 Sep WATCH: New virtual tour launch of a Highland community and tourist destination without leaving your home
The Inverness Courier – Alan Shields
A new virtual tour showcasing how a Highland community is transforming its local area and creating opportunities for local people and tourists has been launched.
The video tour features members of Glenurquart Rural Community Association (GURCA) talking about how they have created community-led businesses and projects.
They say these help to improve the mental health and well-being of people and their environment.
Over three-quarters of GURCA’s unrestricted income is generated through its assets and local business initiatives – and this income goes back into its community projects.
Key highlights in the tour – which was launched at the Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) two day Annual Conference include GURCA: taking ownership of the Loch Ness Hub and creating a visitor centre and tourism hub.
Appointing its first ever full-time community development officer in January 2022, thanks to DTAS helping it to secure funding from the Strengthening Communities Fund.
It is GURCA’s first-ever paid for role and has been instrumental in helping the group to take forward various community-led projects.
These include raising £110,000 through a community share offer to purchase a baggage transfer company for walkers and adventurers.
Taking ownership of Blairbeg Park and leasing it to the local shinty club so that they can improve it.
Running a local market, litter picks, lunch club and other wellbeing events.
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