The mission to create a Strathmore Community Hub is set to become a reality after the group was awarded £113,000 from the Scottish Land Fund to transform the Trades Lane Health Centre into a resource for the whole community.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has welcomed the funding and has lodged a parliamentary motion calling on fellow MSPs to back the community hub.
When open, the Strathmore Community Hub will provide resources to reduce isolation and loneliness as well as classes for community learning. The former medical centre will be remodelled to also include a café and a “men’s shed”.
The Scottish Land Fund is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the Big Lottery Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This grant will make a huge difference to the Strathmore Community Hub and I am calling on fellow MSPs to welcome this funding and recognise the contribution groups like this make to rural Scotland.
“Transforming the former health centre into a worthwhile community resource will be a difficult and challenging project and today’s funding is an important step in this journey.
“Ultimately, it’s important that local residents have a place where they can meet people, socialise and learn new skills. Loneliness is an emerging public health problem and establishing viable community hubs will be important in combatting this.
“The growth of “Men’s Sheds” across the country has been a real success story and I look forward to visiting the Hub when it opens.”