Aultbea Hall Revival! – How NHI were able to support an admirable community effort to reclaim a valuable asset
NHI are incredibly proud to have supported the residents of Aultbea with their tireless efforts to revive and restore their local Village Hall over the past 3 years.
The Hall in 2018, fenced off due to health and safety concerns.
Aultbea Village Hall was originally built during World War II as a NAAFI and cinema for the military defending Loch Ewe and “the Hall had done grand service for the community ever since”. Sadly though, it’s doors were closed following an adverse structural report in 2018.
Community spirit at it’s best!
Following a public meeting in October 2021, a team of new volunteer trustees set about reversing the visible deterioration of the Hall by undertaking the repairs and refurbishment necessary, both externally and internally, with a view to reviving this iconic landmark. Enthusiasm was rekindled among the community with more than 40 written expressions of support for the Aultbea Hall Revival! project, with many more communicated conversationally.
Admirable fundraising efforts saw nearly £12,000 raised over the space of just a few months, and work began.
Locals came out in droves to show support for the project.
A 3 phase plan
After considered community consultation, a 3 phase action plan was rolled out and supported by local volunteers who generously offered their time and skill sets.
Phase 1 saw the beginnings of external repair and improvement work which proved both essential and a morale-boosting starting point to the Aultbea Hall Revival! Project. The group set about transforming “the current community liability into a genuine asset”. NHI were delighted to support this phase of works through our CISP programme which allowed the volunteers to revitalise the external appearance, including the purchase of new bins and secure storage, to promote an active litter collection station for beach/village rubbish which accumulates in the vicinity.
New fencing, bins and bin storage, along with the newly painted sign.
Phase 2 drew attention to the internals of the hall, with structural and electrical works being the main focus. Again we were able to support efforts, this time with a grant towards the rewiring of the facility. Low energy LED lighting units and energy efficient infrared radiant cassettes have helped future proof the Hall and create a comfortable environment for it’s many and varied users and events, not to mention reducing energy costs.
“Let there be light!”
An aspect of the final phase of this mammoth undertaking which NHI were asked to support was the repair, painting and conservation of the external walls and windows of Aultbea Hall, allowing it to withstand the oftentimes harsh weather of the West Coast!
Assessing the deterioration before repairs can begin.
The Hall looking dapper with it’s newly painted walls and windows.
As one member of the Trust said, this final aspect of the project demonstrated “very visibly that the building is now loved and cared for once again after too many years of neglect”.
It’s been an honour for NHI to contribute toward this project, and a joy to witness a small remote community coming together and pouring heart and soul into taking ownership of their once condemned and now fully restored hall nestled in the North West Highlands. And even better to see it being enjoyed once again by Aultbea and their surrounding communities!
To find out more about the Hall check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/153352818475359
Feeling inspired?
If you have a community project that requires some funding why not get in touch? Our Community Infrastructure Support Programme offers grants of up to £2000 to support community groups in the areas of:
- Community Infrastructure
- Energy Reduction
- Community Facilities Support
To learn more about this programme, check out https://www.northhighlandinitiative.co.uk/cisp/
We look forward to hearing from you!
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