Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh Area Plan

How the Plan Was Developed

This Plan has been written in partnership with local communities, public and third sectors. A range of engagement activity was undertaken throughout 2023 and 2024 to gain a shared understanding of the needs and aspirations of those who live, work and visit in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh. A cross-sector steering group was established to analyse existing plans and consultations related to the area. The findings were presented to stakeholders, which kickstarted conversations and workshops (detailed below) generating hundreds of valuable contributions setting out aspirations, ideas and priorities for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh

Our Place Our Future Issues and Visioning Workshops involving key stakeholders from public, private, third and community sectors to identify current issues, outcomes for the future and actions needed to get there.
7 focus group workshops with stakeholders, community groups, Community Councils, young people and families to establish what it’s like to live and work in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh, gaining real insight into the lives and experiences of residents and service providers.
2 high school sessions engaging young people in shaping the future of their communities.
Input from 28 community organisations ensuring a broad representation of local voices.
Area Place Plan pop-up stalls and drop-in sessions held in Contin, Dornie, Torridon, Gairloch and Ullapool, attracting 127 participants.
Online ‘Place Standard’ survey, capturing 99 responses on what it’s like to live, work, play and visit in WRS&L. Data evidenced what people thought should be protected, changed and improved.
Place Standard focus groups with young people through Youth Forums and schools across the area.
Workshop-based activity gathered data on the 14 Place Standard categories.
Individual meetings with statutory and third sector partners to inform the content of the plan.
15 Local Development and Place Plans incorporated to align priorities and avoid duplication.
18 comments on draft plans received during the public consultation phase, helping refine the final version.

The key priorities from the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh Area Place Plan are:

Thriving & Sustainable Communities	Build Sustinable & Affordable Housing Offer More Vocational Training Electric Minibus Service Enhanced Healthcase Access Gaelic Language Promotion Youth Apprenticeship Program Digital Access for All Intergenerational Skill Sharing Improved Mental Health Support
Strengthening & Sustaining Our Places	Infrastructure Maintenance & Services Protect Natural Heritage Greener Travel Options Public Space Enahncement Affordable & Sustainable Housing Local Food Networks Electric Bus Networks Cultural Heritage Climate Resilience Projects Waste & Recycling
Support Local Business Development	Nurture New Local Enterprises Develop Renewable Energy Projects Year-round Tourism Increase Access to Vocational Training Improve Digital Infrastructure Create Artisanal Products Promote Local Food Networks Offer Micro-loans for Local Entrepreneurs Establish Community-Run Toursim Facilities Develop Skills in Green Industries

Click on the links below to view supporting locality and community plans:

Lochalsh Collaboration | Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust

Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Development Plan (tkcc.scot)

Ullapool Community Trust-Community Priorities

Adult Services Strategic Plan 2023-2027

Applecross Community Company Action Plan 2020-2025

Community Action Plan

2024 Gairloch and Loch Ewe Community Action Plan

Garve District Community Development 2019-2024

Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Development Plan 2023-2028