25th June 2024
Help chose a new name for our Community Building
We’re going to the polls!
Back in 2023, aiming to keep a significant building for community use, we purchased the old Church of Scotland in Camusterrach, Applecross, with support from the Scottish Land Fund. We are now asking Applecross residents to help us choose a new name for the building as it begins its new chapter and to give it a new identity.
We are conducting an online poll to decide between two names: ‘An Tobar’ (The Well) or ‘An Lèanag’ (The Little Meadow). More information about the building use and these two names, and the way for Applecross residents to vote can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BV5XJN2
The poll will close on the 1st July and the result will be shared soon after.
6th April 2024
Applecross Community Company Annual General Meeting 2024
6.30pm on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at the Applecross Community Hall and online
ACC invites all its members and residents of Applecross to its 15th Annual General Meeting, held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 23rd April.
The papers for the Annual General Meeting are as follows:
- The brochure for the meeting, with the agenda and director’s nomination form, is here
- The draft Minutes from the 2023 AGM are here
- The Annual Audited Accounts for 2022/23 for the Applecross Community Company are here
- The Annual Audited Accounts for 2023/23 for Applecross Community Trading Limited are here
- The Director Nomination form (word version) is here
If you would like to receive a hard copy of these documents, please do get in touch at ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org and we can provide these.
We look forward to seeing you in person or online.
26th March 2024
Easter Woodland Activity Morning
Join us this Saturday (30th March) for an Easter Woodland Activity Morning! Featuring a family-friendly treasure hunt and nature activities.
Meet us at the Shelter in Coille a’ Thorra Ghairbh | Torgarve Woods at 10am. Please dress warm and waterproof with suitable footwear. A hot drink and snack will be provided.
Any questions please email Amy: woods@applecrosscommunitycompany.org
15th March 2024
Newsletter | Cuairt-litir – March | Am Màrt
Read our March newsletter here.
16th February 2024
Employment Opportunities with the Community Transport Project
ACC has two exciting and part-time job opportunities based in Applecross as part of the new Community Transport Project, funded by The Highland Council. Under this project Applecross has been lucky to be granted the lease of two eight-seater vehicles for community transport within and beyond the peninsula. We anticipate the vehicles will be used for lunch-club, the school taxi, swimming lessons for the primary school kids, as well as shopping and cultural events further afield.
We are seeking a driver for the School Transport part of the Project – further details about this role are below. We are happy to consider job-shares for this role.
We are also seeking someone to Administer the Project – further details about this role are below:
The closing date for applications for both roles is Wednesday 28th February. Please send a CV and covering letter to Megan at ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org
26th September 2023
Our October newsletter is available by clicking here.
25th July 2023
Employment Opportunity – Development Assistant
The Applecross Community Company is expanding its team and recruiting for a Development Assistant to help deliver its long-term aims and Action Plan (2020-25).
ACC is seeking expressions of interest for this role before 5pm on 11th August 2023 to be sent to ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org
Please provide us with a letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to fulfil the role, further details are provided in the job description below. We are willing to consider job-shares so if only part of this role interests you, please also get in touch.
30th March 2023
ACC Annual General Meeting 2023
The 14th Annual General Meeting of the Applecross Community Company is to be held in the Applecross Community Hall and on-line on Tuesday 18th April 2023 at 6.30pm.
The documents relating to this Annual General Meeting (AGM) can be accessed via the links below:
• ACC AGM Booklet – 2023-04-18
• ACC AGM Meeting minutes – 2022-04-25
• Applecross Community Company Audited Accounts – 2021-22
• Applecross Community Trading Ltd Audited Accounts – 2021-22
• ACC Proposed Amendments to Articles of Association – 2023-04-18
• ACC AGM Proxy Voting Form 2023
• ACC AGM Director Nomination Form 2023
The link for accessing the meeting online (via zoom) is here [link to add is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85710686564?pwd=dnBEVmVwMXRHRlhGRXdTaFVzaHNFUT09 ] as well as being provided in the AGM booklet at the link above.
All are welcome. Only ACC members can vote or stand for election.
28th March 2023
Job Opportunity
Community Hub Development Officer
Applecross Community Company has an exciting opportunity for a part-time Community Hub Development Officer. Job Details are in the downloadable job advert and job description below.
6th March 2023
Press Release
Applecross Church under community ownership
13th January 2023
Invitation to Tender
The Applecross Community Company is seeking tenders from graphic designers to help us develop a logo and signage for our Torgarve Community Woodland project.
The Invitation to Tender link is below and closes on Friday 27th January 2023.
Please help to circulate this to anyone you think might be interested.
24th August 2022
August Newsletter
Our August newsletter is available by clicking here.
14th June 2022
Employment Opportunity – Woodland Development Officer
ACC Annual General Meeting 2022
The 13th Annual General Meeting of the Applecross Community Company is to be held in the Applecross Community Hall and on-line on Monday 25th April 2022 at 6.30pm.
All welcome. Only ACC members can vote or stand for election.
The documents relating to this AGM can be accessed via the links below:
• ACC AGM Booklet – 2022-04-25
• ACC AGM Meeting minutes – 2021-04-20
• ACC Audited Accounts – 2020-21
• ACT Audited Accounts – 2020-21
• ACC Final Feasability Study, Camusterrach Church
• ACC Final Business Plan, Camusterrach Church.
17th March 2022
Residents Move into First Community-owned Homes Build in Applecross
21st January 2022
Options under consideration for Community Ownership of the Church of Scotland Church, Camusterrach
Applecross Community Company is undertaking a feasibility study into the options and community benefit of taking on ownership of Camusterrach Church. Details of the possible future community benefit uses of the Church and some early illustrations of how the lay-out of the building might look are available below:
- Summary of the background and timeframe of the feasibility project, as well as the various community benefit uses under consideration
- Option 1 – how the building might look with minimal changes inside
- Option 2 – how the building might look converting half of the second floor
- Option 3 – how the building might look with a one-bedroom flat upstairs
- Option 4 – how the building might look with community benefit uses across both floors
- Option 5 – how the building might look it was fully converted into one-bedroom plats
15th January 2022
Employment Opportunity – Woodland Development Officer
Applecross Community Company is recruiting for the position of Woodland Development Officer. 0.3 FTE (10.5 hours per week): competitive rate. Fixed term contract until February 2023.
Applecross Community Company (ACC) has an exciting opportunity for a part-time Woodland Development Officer (WDO) to help develop and deliver our Torgarve Community Woodland project.
The WDO will be responsible for managing the first 12-months phase of a community project, restoring the natural and cultural heritage within a recently cleared conifer plantation. The project will enhance biodiversity, access, amenities and activities within a 14.5ha woodland site. The role will involve working in collaboration with members of our community, local volunteers and external stakeholders, and will have the support of ACC staff and volunteer Board.
The WDO will be responsible for managing the first 12-months phase of a community project, restoring the natural and cultural heritage within a recently cleared conifer plantation. The project will enhance biodiversity, access, amenities and activities within a 14.5ha woodland site. The role will involve working in collaboration with members of our community, local volunteers and external stakeholders, and will have the support of ACC staff and volunteer Board.
We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, energetic and has enthusiasm for Applecross and community woodlands. Good communication, project and woodland management and writing skills are essential for the role. Desirable skills include experience of fundraising and Gaelic language.
This post is funded by the Highland Council Coastal Communities Fund and ACC for 12-months, until February 2023. The position may continue beyond this date if future funding is secured. The successful candidate will ideally be based on the Applecross peninsula or surrounding area, however consideration will also be given to candidates who are able to travel regularly to Applecross. A full job description is available on our website.
Applications by CV and covering letter to info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org by Monday 24 January 2022
Click here to download the job description.
Open-day on plans for Community Ownership of Camusterrach Church
Thursday 20 January 2022 – 2 to 6pm.
Applecross Community Company is undertaking a feasibility study into the options and community benefit of taking on ownership of Camusterrach Church. Come along to Camusterrach Church on Thursday afternoon 2-6pm to hear more about our plans and give us feedback on the proposals. We shall be following covid regulations (please wear a face mask).
An online meeting to discuss the plans will also be held on Tuesday 25 January from 6-7pm.
Any questions, contact Megan at ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org or 744 204
An Toll Bàn – New-Build Houses
Open-Day
Saturday 20 November 2021 – 10am to 12pm.
Applecross Community Company are delighted that the call for applications is now live for our three new-build houses at An Toll Bàn, Camusterrach.
ACC will be having an open day on Saturday 20 November between 10am and 12pm for those interested to view one of the houses. Covid protocols will apply, please bring a mask and you may need to wait as we will limit the numbers in the property.
The Community Housing Trust (CHT) is acting as a letting agent for the properties on behalf of ACC.
The closing date for applications is Monday 6 December.
For further information please see www.chtrust.co.uk/current-opportunities call 01463 233 549 or email info@chtrust.co.uk
16th November 2021
An Toll Bàn – houses for rent
Applecross Community Company (ACC) are delighted to announce that the call for applications is now live for our three new-build houses at An Toll Bàn on the Applecross Peninsula. The closing date for applications is Monday 6th December.
The Community Housing Trust (CHT) is acting as a letting agent for the properties on behalf of ACC. Follow this link to register your interest on the Community Housing Trust website.
- 3 x 2-bedroom homes available for discounted rent on the Applecross peninsula
- 1 home is fully wheelchair compatible, and all homes have a ground-floor bedroom
- £380 pcm, no deposit needed
- Homes are highly insulated and economical to run
- EPC rating & Council Tax band pending
- Elderly and vulnerable local residents will be prioritised
Should you have any problems accessing the Communities Housing Trust website please email info@chtrust.co.uk or call 01463 233 549.
ACC will be organising an open-day to view the houses shortly, more details to follow.
9th September 2021
Important update on the clear-felling of Torgarve Woods
The clear-felling of Torgarve Woods is scheduled to start on Tuesday 14th September 2021 and is expected to last around 6 to 8 weeks (depending on conditions at the site).
Unfortunately, during this time Applecross Community Company has to restrict public access to Torgarve Woods. Only those involved in the clear-fell activities will be allowed in.
The timber will be transported out around the coast road at a rate of four loads per day (two in the early morning and two in the evening) to avoid the tourist traffic. It is expected that the timber transportation will take until the end of 2021.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with Saara or Megan if you have any further questions:
Saara: info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org or 07895099753
Megan: meganmacinnes@yahoo.co.uk or 744 204
15th June 2021
Join our team!
Local Development Officer
0.5 FTE (17.5 hours per week): £14,055 per annum.
Initially fixed term contract until 31/03/2022
Applecross Community Company (ACC) has an exciting opportunity for a part-time Local Development Officer (LDO) to help develop and deliver innovative sustainable projects, including affordable housing and green transport. The LDO is responsible for community consultations, stakeholder liaison, proposal writing, project management, financial management, reporting, fundraising and communications.
This role will involve working in collaboration with our existing LDO who also works on a part-time basis. The successful applicant will work closely with our board of voluntary trustees and will have the support of a part-time administrator.
We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, energetic and has enthusiasm for Applecross and community development. Good communication, writing skills, computer competency and project management experience are essential for the role. Desirable skills include experience in rural or community development, fundraising and financial management.
This post is fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the initial contract will be until 31st March 2022. The position may continue beyond this date if future funding is secured. The successful candidate will ideally be based on the Applecross peninsula or surrounding area, however consideration will also be given to candidates who are able to travel regularly to Applecross. A full job description is available here.
Applications by CV and covering letter to info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org by Friday 16th July 2021
6th May 2021
Employment Opportunities
BOOK-KEEPER
Applecross Community Company and Applecross Community Trading
Part-time – £14/hr (depending on experience) for an estimated 10 hrs/week
We are looking for a competent and enthusiastic bookkeeper to join our team. The ideal candidate will have previous bookkeeping and administrative experience. This will be supported by good organisational and communication skills. Great attention to detail and effective time management are also key in this role. Passion for working in a community organisation is desirable. Good computer skills are required, including experience using MS office and knowledge of Quickbooks. Main Duties will include:
- Account management (invoicing, billing, running payroll, HMRC submissions, banking payments)
- Local filling station coordination (fuel orders, fuel stock management, submission of fuel subsidy claims, local card invoicing)
- General administration (submission of claims, annual renewal of insurances, financial reports)
The position is offered on a self-employed, work from home basis. A laptop and printer will be provided. Full job description can be found here. Applications by CV and covering letter to LDO@applecrosscommunitycompany.org by Friday 21st May 2021
Temporary cover CLEANERS wanted
We are looking for cleaners for the Applecross community toilets to provide cover for our regular cleaning staff as and when required.
Ideally you have previous cleaning experience but we can also provide the necessary training.
Main responsibilities will include:
- Cleaning of the Applecross community toilets
- Communicating with Local Development Officer about any cleaning supplies or maintenance needed
The rate of pay is £15/hr plus an additional £3/hr during the COVID-19 crisis (£18/hr altogether).
We will provide you with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), any general training and training specific to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Please contact Saara Viitanen (info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org) to apply or for any questions you may have.
28th April 2021
Community toilets – temporary closure
The community toilets will be closed Monday 10th May for maintenance works. We apologise for any inconvenience.
23rd March 2021
Activities Coordinator Vacancy
An exciting opportunity to work within our community organisation. Full job description can be found here. Applications by CV and covering letter to LDO@applecrosscommunitycompany.org or send to Filling Station, Shore Street, Applecross, IV54 8LR by Friday 2nd April 2021.
Get in touch with Megan directly if you have any questions about the role or want to know more.
Annual General Meeting 20th April 2021 at 7.00pm
As the Covid-19 restrictions continue, we have decided to hold our AGM online again this year. The AGM will be held on Tuesday 20th April 2021 at 7.00pm and we welcome all members to join in. If you are unsure about how to join this meeting, please do get in touch in advance and we can assist. Contact Roslyn Clarke on 01520 744430, email or by Facebook messenger.
The log in details, minutes from the previous AGM, agenda, resolutions and supporting information have been circulated to our members via email or mail. If you are unsure about how to join this meeting or would like a hard copy of the documents, please do get in touch in advance and we can assist. Contact Saara Viitanen on 744326 or Roslyn Clarke on 744430, email (info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org) or by Facebook messenger.
We encourage all Members to review the supporting information once it is published and vote on the Special Resolutions. If you are unable to attend the AGM and wish to vote, please complete and return a proxy form (available in due course) by Sunday 18th April.
ACC is managed by a board of volunteer directors and we welcome new members to get involved. If you are interested in becoming an ACC Director, please complete a nomination form and return by Tuesday 13th April. If you would like to know more, please get in touch with a Director or Development Officer for a chat.
We look forward to seeing you online 20th April!
8th March 2021
Are you interested in buying and processing large volumes of wood-fuel from Torgarve Woods?
The Applecross Community Company has recently taken ownership of the Torgarve woodland in Applecross, and with the plan of clear-felling the woodland between May and July 2021, there is now an opportunity to buy timber for woodfuel from the woodland. Approximately 700 tonnes of primarily Sitka Spruce suitable for local wood-fuel will be available from July 2021.
We welcome offers to buy all or part of the total volume of timber – we are willing to consider dividing the total amount of timber between several businesses. We will prioritise local offers.
Please note that we require buyers to arrange and cover their own transport from our stacking areas and the drying/storage of the timber. Unfortunately, we do not have facilities to store or dry the timber within the woods.
Please register your interest and/or send any enquiries to info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org on or before 22nd March 2021.
25th February 2021
Purchase of the Torgarve woodland
We are excited that we, the Applecross community, have officially become the owners of the Torgarve woodland in Applecross! We would like to extend a huge thanks to the Scottish Land Fund, the Community Woodlands Association, DTAS, the Applecross Trust, our Community Woodland group, the wider Applecross community and various others for your support and making this possible.
Stay tuned for updates from our community woodland!
16th December 2020
Camusterrach housing name competition
Our community owned housing development needs a name! The ACC board have shortlisted the following names and would like the community to vote on the preferred name:
4th December 2020
Invitation to Tender (Operations Manager)
The Applecross Community Company has published a Invitation to Tender for an Operations Manager to oversee the Torgarve Community Woodlands clear-felling process. The deadline for submission of the tenders is 5pm on 18th December 2020 and should be by email to Saara Viitanen on info@applecrosscommunitycompany.org. Please find the Invitation to Tender document in full below.
28th October 2020
Applecross Cycle Buddy Group
Lacking confidence on a pushbike or e-bike? Or wanting to cycle more but not alone? As part of Active Applecross, we’re setting up a Cycle Buddy group for Applecross residents. A member of the friendly group can accompany you to the shop/post office, pub, Walled Garden etc. to run errands or commute to work by bicycle, or just to have a cuppa after cycling. Or if you’ve wanted to do a longer cycle to Sand or even Shieldaig but it feels a bit daunting to do it on your own, we’d be keen to come along with you.
28th October 2020
Applecross Community Support Group
The Applecross Community Support Group continues to help support our community during this uncertain time. The group is a collaboration of the Applecross Healthcare Association, the Applecross Trust, the Applecross Community Council and ACC.
Thank you to the wider community for your help and support of each other. Thank you also to the local businesses and organisations for providing tailored services for the community.
See our Covid-19 support page for more information
