When the Trust was first established, Housing and Jobs were believed to be the route to regenerating North Harris. The results of a community consultation exercise re-inforced this belief.

Working in partnership with Mr Scarr-Hall, the community managed to secure the purchase of the North Harris Estate in 2003. Since then, GSH, his family business has established itself as one of Harris’ largest employers. GSH now operates from the business centre that was built by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on the outskirts of Tarbert

It is widely held belief, that GSH would not have such a substantial presence in Harris, if the office premises had not been readily available.

For this reason, we plan to build a number of speculative starter units for small businesses. The aim is to attract new employers and new families to the area.

In early 2010 a number of architects were invited to tender for a Feasibility Study for Business Units in North Harris. AffordableTM, a Findhorn-based practice were selected to deliver the study. We managed to secure funding from both The Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland and HIE.

We have been working closely with HIE since the outset of the project. They suggested we engage an Economic Development Consultant to carry out some research into the existing provision for business space. The consultant also investigated the potential demand for business starter units.

In January 2011, the study into the feasibility of Zero-Carbon Business Units was delivered. It evaluated three North Harris sites, and gave indicative costs for the development. The architect’s sketches of the units show a low-impact development. The units are designed to be flexible to adapt to the need for office or workshop space. The units are stone and timber clad, and will be powered and heated by their own renewable energy generators.

In the summer of 2011, we secured funding from HIE, towards the costs of the next stage – the design. In December, the planning application was submitted for three units on land in East Tarbert. The units will be designated with a use-class of 4. This means that office and light industry will be permitted on the site.

Attached below are some of the drawings that were submitted for the planning permission. Beware some of the files are large.

At the start of 2012, we are in the process of securing funding for the detailed design and construction. We hope to be tendering for the construction in the summer. 

Advertising to attract new and growing businesses will start in 2013. With a range of support services from the Trust, the superior quality of life, and state of the art Zero-Carbon business space, there is sure to be much interest. The ability to create new jobs and training opportunities will be the prime allocation criteria.

If we can secure three new businesses and three new families to the area, we will have delivered on two of the Trust’s key objectives in regenerating the North Harris community.