We aim to develop a dedicated recreation space for Ardgour between the Village Hall and Primary School comprising a Multi-Use Games Area, outdoor play & fitness equipment, picnic and BBQ area
Estimated Price
200000
We will acquire or lease approximately 0.3ha of land from Ardgour Estate which was former woodland, and then develop it as an outdoor recreation space over the next few years. Having secured £5,224 from the Scottish Land Fund were are now progressing a land valuation, outline designs and topographic and tree surveys.
During 2023 a detailed community consultation took place which resulted in only the second ever Local Place Plan being adopted by Highland Council. This involved public meetings in the two local community halls and a detailed questionnaire. This is available here : https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/2381/ardgour_local_place_plan Page 16 refers to new facilities and specifically (Para 4.3) the creation of an all weather sports facility on land adjascent to the Primary School. On page 25 “Places”, this is illustrated as one of the key developments which go towards creating a “Clovullin Community Hub”, incorporating affordable housing, improved village hall and new pedestrian access routes.
Since its publication and adoption in 2024 there have been two community meetings (May 27th and September 18th 2025) regarding the recreation area and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) The idea of building a new village hall (originally suggested in the Place Plan) has been discounted on the grounds of cost and sustainability, as the old village Hall has benefitted from over £100,00 of refurbishment in the last 13 years and is currently engaged in further improvements including external repairs, solar panels, kitchen alterations and a car charger.
At the public meeting on 18th September 2025 it was decided that the preferred location for the MUGA would in fact be on the former woodland plot (once taken into community ownership), rather than the Council owned grass pitch beside the school and therefore the map on Page 25 of the Place Plan has changed. The staff at Ardgour Primary School and the Parent Council have strongly supported developing a public access sports pitch on the adjascent woodland rather than within the grounds of the school (as suggested in the Place Plan) on the basis of privacy and child protection.
Going forward, as well as developing the new recreation park, (which can be used by school pupils and members of the public) we would also like to work in partnership with Highland Council Education Department to upgrade the school playing field and playground by trying to fundraise towards improved drainage of the pitch, and new goalposts and creating a shelter for the school children. This will retain the original objectives of the Place Plan but spread across two locations.
Once a Pre planning application has been submitted and comments received, we will embark on futher community consultation, raising the funds to clear the land and purchase the equipment
We believe that the cost of the MUGA and associated groundwork will be circa £100,000 and associated play/exercise equipment, outdoor gazebo, BBQ area and seating a further £100,000.
These are rough estimates and it is likely that the recreation ground will have to be developed in stages, (as fundraising allows) over 2027 and 2028. However acquisition is key and we would look to purchase or lease the land during 2026.
Developing the recreation space will add a valuable new faciliy to the community, available to residents and visitors alike. Located beside the Primay School, pupils will benefit from new equipment and a modern tennis/badminton, 5-aside, basketball court. We believe the provision of a tennis court will enable more members of the community and surrounding areas to take up tennis, which is a sport for 2 or 4 players and the addition of a 'practice wall' will enable individuals to practice on their own if a playing partner is unavailable. (Currently existing tennis players have to travel many miles to find an avialble court.) Outdor 'kalishenetics' equipment will enable users of all ages to improve fitmess levels leading to greater wellbeing. The provision of some "play equipment" will enable those families with small children to use the recreation park without having to travel to the small playpark in North Corran which involves negotiating the bust ferry terminal, thus promoting active travel. Equipment for 'all ages' allows parents and their children to use facilities simultaneously.
Located beside the Village Hall (with catering, indoor space and toilets), the recreation park will help create a 'hub' for Ardgour and enable the community to plan outdoor gatherings for special occasions and fund raising events, with wet and fair weather options. Picnic benches, seating, BBQ area and hopefully a gazebo will broaden the range of activities available.
All the facilities will also be available to visitors passing through or those staying in local B&B's, hotels and self catering 'pods - all within walking distance of the park.
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