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MSP makes one last push for government backing of the Highland Haven Appeal


By Louise Glen

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Rona Matheson, community fundraiser, Thom MacLeod, leader of the construction sub committee, chairperson Elsie Normington and chairman of the Haven Appeal David Sutherland.
Rona Matheson, community fundraiser, Thom MacLeod, leader of the construction sub committee, chairperson Elsie Normington and chairman of the Haven Appeal David Sutherland.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, David Stewart, has made one final push for Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, before he steps down from his role as a Highlands and Islands MSP in May.

Mr Stewart has contacted the cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism Fergus Ewing, again, in a bid to secure the remaining funding needed to allow the Haven Appeal project to go ahead.

The project team has secured £2.6million of the £4million required and have had what they describe as ‘very positive’ meetings with Scottish Government officials in recent months.

David Stewart MSP.
David Stewart MSP.

Mr Stewart, who is due to retire the day before the Scottish Parliament elections in May asked the Scottish Government to supply the remaining funding in July last year and has been in contact with Scottish ministers a number of times since then, in a plea for the gap funding to be awarded.

He said “This project has untold benefits for families across the Highlands. It would be Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities.

“The project is being driven forward by the Elsie Normington Foundation who are desperately seeking the last piece in their jigsaw. They have secured the planning permission for the building of the centre and have worked tirelessly to secure £2.6m of the funding required.

Mr Stewart continued “On top of the benefits to the users and their families, there would be a year’s worth of construction jobs and the resulting social care jobs when the centre opens.

“I very much hope the discussions that have taken place with the Scottish Government bear fruit and the required funding comes north to allow the project to go ahead.

“People in the Highlands are very supportive of the plans for the centre and I hope their support is recognised and funding is awarded by Scottish Ministers,” added Mr Stewart.

Read more about the Haven Appeal by clicking here.


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