Facts & Figures

Alness expanded rapidly during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s as a result of major industrial development, in particular the establishment a local aluminium smelter and oil fabrication yard at Nigg Due to the subsequent closure of the smelter and the decline in the oil fabrication industry, by 1995 Alness was in economic meltdown and suffered severe deprivation.

Alness Initiative is a simply constituted business and community organisation which manages the devolved EU Community Economic Development funding and more recently the Community Regeneration Fund.

Roots & Links

The Alness Initiative was formed in 1995 when a collaboration of community and business representatives came together to raise aspirations, profile and potential of the town. A shopping list of changes and improvements was produced, covering economic, social and environmental issues. The Initiative raised £1.9 million from a range of sources and by 2007 the entire shopping list had been achieved

Alness Initiative is governed by a body made up of three Alness Business Association members, three members from Alness Community Council, two members from the Alness Community Association and three other community representatives. Local councillors/officials are invited to attend as required by the subject matter under discussion. The Community Economic Development programme provided funding for locally developed plans and projects. Any constituted community group or business in Alness could apply where the project demonstrates wider community benefit. Now the Community Regeneration Fund is providing funding for smaller scale projects.

The Alness Initiative brings together other Alness organisations including the Alness Community Council, the Alness Business Association and the Alness Community Association. Communication to residents is via a monthly newspaper

The chairman of the Initiative is a local councillor, so well linked to the local authority

Activities

Located in a small office within a building which is rented by The Highland Council.

During the past six years many local people have become successful fundraisers and most committees have increased their skill base.

The Alness Initiative has initiated a number of substantial projects including the transformation of the high street, renovations to community buildings (including the Averon Leisure Centre, West Alness Community Centre, Alness Heritage Centre and Kensal Community Hall), community art programme, environmental renewal schemes, family learning projects, development of a website that includes a business directory and a community directory. It has recently received recognition for its work in the renewable energy sector.

N/A but there is a significant number of facilities owned and /or operated by community groups as a direct or indirect result of the Alness Initiative

• Developing a business and community partnership that has transformed the town following the closure of the Invergordon Smelter. • Securing £1.9m in grant funding • Frequent winner of Britain in Bloom - The community works together to design and plant all the floral arrangements around the area. The amazing beautification of the area has restored community pride and as a result has attracted new businesses, housing developments and tourism to the area. • Winner of the Dynamic Place Team Award 2003 • Winner of the British Urban Regeneration Awards 2007 for community inspired regeneration.

What Next

Accessing ongoing funding to employ a part time community development worker

Regeneration is successful if the community has ownership of the process. Bricks and mortar does not change hearts and minds.

To become a company limited by guarantee with charitable status Projects under current consideration are: • Cultural Heritage projects • Footpaths/Signposting • Conservation Projects • District Heating System • Energy Efficiency Project • Transition Town movement

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