CCDS
Arthur MacDonald, CCDS Scheme Manager
Crofting Community Development Scheme
Background
The Crofting Community Development Scheme (CCDS) is part of the Highlands and Islands Special transitional Programme and aims to promote community and co-operative development by crofting communities, or other community groups. It is jointly funded by the UK Government through the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the European Commission.
The Scheme operates by providing financial assistance for the preparation and implementation of a community development plan. These communities comprise the most fragile and economically disadvantaged areas in the Highlands and Islands.
The scheme is open to any properly constituted group that can demonstrate that it plans to promote community developments in crofting communities. The Scheme is aimed at both traditional crofting groups such as Common Grazings Committees and Sheep Stock Clubs and other community groups e.g. hall committees, historical societies, etc. that have the backing of the crofting interests.
Arthur MacDonald was appointed as Scheme Manager and with his team of Assistants provides technical and administrative support to assist communities with the preparation of suitable township plans. Development Plans are approved by the Crofters Commission before financial assistance is provided under the Scheme. Thereafter, a development incentive is paid to the applicant group in stages as the approved Development Plan is implemented. The CCDS does not provide financial assistance towards the costs of any elements of the projects included in a community group’s development plan.
Assistance is in the form of a development incentive payment which will be paid in stages as the approved Development Plan is implemented. 25% of the total incentive payment will be paid when the Plan is approved with a further 50% payable when the plan reaches agreed milestones and the final 25% when the Plan is fully completed.
The incentive payment is calculated on a sliding scale, depending on the
overall net capital cost of the Development Plan (after the deduction of
grant-aid on individual items) as per the table below:
Development Incentives
| Net Cost of Approved Plan after Capital Grant Assistance | Development Incentive |
| £ | £ |
| 0-7500 | 50% |
| 7001-8000 | 3500 |
| 8001-10000 | 4000 |
| 10001-12000 | 4500 |
| 12001-14000 | 5000 |
| 14001-16000 | 5500 |
| 16001-18000 | 6000 |
| 18001 - 25000 | 6500 |
| 25001 + | 7000 |
What to Do Next
If you are interested in applying please contact the CCDS Office for further assistance and an Application Form:
Address: 18 Upper Leachkin
Inverness
IV3 8PN
Telephone: 01463 709821
Fax: 01463 709821
E-mail: ccds@crofting.co.uk
To discuss your ideas and eligibility contact:
Manager: Arthur MacDonald 01463 793104 (home)
07760 168750 (mobile)
Assistant: Mark Brennan 07760 168723 (mobile)
Lewis & Harris: John Smith 01851 707343
Uists & Barra: Joan Ferguson 01876 580327
