Staff Report July 2010

24/08/10

Assynt Foundation Staff Report July 2010


Lodge Redevelopment Project:

Some problems with woodfuel heating system – voltage drop at times of high usage elsewhere causing
the exhaust fan to trip – a voltage regulator is to be fitted.
Some snagging has been done, with more still to be done during remainder of July period when Lodge is empty.
Quotes are being sought for work needed to connect deer larder drain to septic tank.
Laundry now has hot water.
The lock-up at the harbour has now been emptied.

Log Building / Training:
A meeting was held to discuss this. The site preferred by those present is behind the walled garden just the other side of the Inver link path.
The Highland Culture Programme has been identified as one potential match funder (grants up to 30k capital and 30k revenue). Next deadline for applications is 17th September for decisions in November.
Next steps: firm up design / specification plans for the building. Get quotes for the work and training. Apply for match funding. Apply for planning permission and building warrant. Work out when the project is hoped to happen (dependent on availability of builders / trainers and trainees among other things).


SRDP:
Strategic Deer Fence: Still awaiting word on whether habitat management plan (included in new deer management agreement) will suffice instead of completed forest plan, to accompany proposal submission.
Forest Plan: Not yet submitted.
Tubeg Bothy Creation: Next submission deadline is 2nd August.

Hydro-energy:
Invitations to tender for feasibility studies have been sent out and posted on CES website. Two separate study briefs – one for schemes near lodge primarily to supply lodge with electicity, one for purely grid-feeding income-generating schemes.

Ongoing from before:
Director training still to be arranged.
Lead and support directors of subgroups still need finalising.