Introduction to North Sutherland
North Sutherland forms part of Duthaic Mhic Aoidh, The Land of MacKay. The area stretches along the alternately sandy, rocky coast from Durness in the west to Melvich in the east and southwards down the fertile Straths Halladale and Strathnaver to Altnaharra, covering aproximately 1,200 sq.km. It is home to less than 2000 people, and is therefore one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe.
The forum are wishing to discuss the possibility of including Kinlochbervie and Scourie as part of the Current IaaO area, in effect making the whole of the MacKay Country an IaaO area
Applying for free low energy bulbs to all households in N. Sutherland area.
The eleven distinct communities of North Sutherland are unique within the eight separate Initiative of the Edge areas in Scotland, primarily because they are able to work well together whilst retaining their own individuality.
Below is a list of projects that are underway:
Progressing with the Bettyhill Orientation Centre but hope to combine Strathnaver museum project with Orientation project.
The MacKay Country Project, being led by Durness Development Group, are undertaking an Academic Harmonisation Project, an inter village Marketing Scheme and signage strategy.
North Sutherland is the largest geographic area and the most disperse, there are 11 distinct sub- communities that now make up the North Sutherland Community Development Forum. The majority of projects originally identified in the development plan have been (or are in the process of) being completed, there are also projects completed that were not identified in the original plan: the development of Smoo cave as a visitor attraction, The Mackay country project, the original plan mentioned a Mackay trail, that has now evolved to become a possible marketing and promotional project for the area as a whole. The community groups appear to be well organised and the confidence appears to be fairly good.
North Sutherland exited the Initiate at the Edge on the 31st of March 04 and is now on the follow up phase.
Further Information regarding the follow up process for North Sutherland will be available in due course.
If you require further information please contact
Linda Lennie
Tel: 01851-700 455
E-mail linda.lennie@hient.co.uk
