Argyll community group takes control of Cairndow site

A 37-hectare woodland in Argyll has been bought over by a community group.

Cairndow-based Here We Are successfully bid for Ballue Woods located near Loch Fyne after the group said it would create jobs and boost the local economy.

It includes a plot with planning permission which will be used for local affordable housing.

The purchase was made possible with £125,000 of funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

John MacDonald, chairman of Here We Are, said: "We are all very excited to have had our offer accepted on the woodland and delighted that we can now continue with our plans for development of our renewable energy business and community projects.

"Our committee and volunteers have worked hard for many years towards this and we thank HIE for their support and financial assistance."

Here We Are was established in 1998 and currently generates income from two trading subsidiaries.

Our Power CIC operates a wood chipping plant, supplying biomass to heat water for several businesses.

Here We Are also has a 25% share in the Merk Hydro LLP, a one megawatt hydro scheme currently under development.