In the last 5 years or so a number of large and ambitious projects have been conceived with the aim of improving aspects of our island. Some of these are already bearing fruit.
1. The Discover Bute Landscape Partnership Scheme (DBLPS)
Started 3 years ago the DBLPS aims to conserve and develop the heritage of Bute, improve the economy and celebrate Bute landscapes. They have achieved an awful lot in a relatively short time. These include (from a very long list)
- Restored 13km of hedges
- Rebuilt over 33km of dry stone walling
- Updated or created 27km of paths and trails
- Trained 1249 people
- Carried out 3 archaeological excavations
Visit the Website for the full story
2. Bute Community Land Company (BCLC)
In late 2009, the germ of an idea to purchase a forest at the northern tip of Bute from film director Dickie Attenborough became a full blown and ambitious project within the space of a few short months. The successful purchase of the land in the summer of 2010 with the backing of the community was the culmination of 9 months of very hard work on the part of a few enthusiastic volunteers. Bute Community Land Company has since spawned a subsidiary, Brandish Bute, with an eponymous shop selling local arts, crafts and food produce.
Take a look at the Websites here www.bclc.co.uk & www.brandishbute.com
3. The Rothesay Townscape Heritage Initiative
This is an exciting project aiming to revitalise and improve the built heritage of the core of Rothesay town. There are a number of historic and prominent buildings that require renovation and preservation. The object the the initiative is to offer grants to property owners to encourage them to refurbish and restore, focusing in structural and external repairs. The area covered includes Guildford Sq and the surrounding streets.
There is more information with maps, project updates and events at the official web page HERE
4. Towards Zero Carbon Bute (TZCB)
This is an island wide project for Bute residents of all ages, and for organisations to help us all to reduce our impact on climate change. The project is organised through Fyne Futures, the sustainability subsidiary of Fyne Homes, with funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund.
The aim is to help all residents and organizations on Bute to reduce their carbon footprints, to minimise their energy bills, and to reduce their costs from transport. There is help to find grants, make your home more energy efficient, provide information on in-home energy generation such as wind turbines and solar panels, as well as giving you more sustainable transport options. They also have information about their two Fyne Futures sister projects which can help with recycling and provide locally grown vegetables and fruit.
Go to the TZCB Website
