History
Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (KoSDT) was established in 2011 to serve the districts of Ardgay and Creich in East Sutherland. The Trust was set up to counteract the economic decline that had occurred in the area following the opening of the Dornoch Bridge in the early 1990’s which had diverted traffic away from the area and resulted in the closure of local businesses.
The aim of the Trust is to ensure that long-term, sustainable benefits are achieved throughout the community and the Kyle of Sutherland area. The Trust focuses on how best to utilise funding from local wind farms and renewable energy projects, while ensuring all match funding opportunities are identified and secured.
Aims
Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust aims to develop projects that:
Help maintain a strong sense of place
Reduce social isolation and promote health and wellbeing for residents
Build a confident, resilient community
Make a difference to the lives of local people
Oversee the implementation of the Local Development Plan
Support other local organisations with their projects
Governance
About the Area
The Kyle of Sutherland area covers 680 square miles, with a population of 1,700.
The area has been identified as fragile and disadvantaged due to lack of well-paid employment opportunities, an ageing population, limited transport networks, and poor housing stock.
Over 60% of households in the area have been identified as being fuel poor and/or living in poverty.
KoSDT strive to increase the economic and social health of the community to ensure that the area has increased resilience in the future.
Who is who at the Trust?
A short film about the Trust
The short film that you can view below was commissioned by Highlands & Islands Enterprise for the Aspiring Communities Conference in May 2019. It provides a background about Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust’s projects and services.
Scottish Charity: SC043587
Company Ltd By Guarantee:
Scottish Registration: SC401019
VAT registration number: 251 4030 53
