Old Convent Land Purchase

In 2011, the Community Company discovered the Old Convent Land may be available for purchase and conducted a community survey to explore the community members’ thoughts on the land being owned by the community.

There was great support for this venture with 89% of adults and 86% of children, resident at that time, in favour of the purchase.

The Community Company approached the St Benedictine Order in hope of the land acquisition; the principle was to ensure the land was to the benefit of the community rather than a private sector.

The land was valued at some £200,000. The Community Company received funding from various sources in support of the acquisition. This included funding from the Beinneun Wind Farm Community Fund, the Scottish Land Fund, the National Lottery Fund, Highlands and Island Enterprise and others.

The purchase was complete by the end of November 2017.

With the Community Company in possession of the land, the community as a whole can now make plans to sustainably develop the area with eco-friendly materials and processes.

Community surveys were a clear indication that there was a need and great support to produce affordable housing for residents. So plans began to build twelve affordable homes for rent in the community on a portion of the land. Construction started in June 2020, with completion in August 2021 and tenants occupying the homes by September 2021.

Caledonian Court comprises two and three bedroom flats and bungalows with airsource heat pumps and quality insulation making these homes economically and environmentally friendly.