Our vision: Helmsdale and District Development Group aims to bring together all local organsations to work together

to create an economically prosperous and culturally rich community for the benefit of everyone
Environment Investigate the potential for a Carbon Neutral Officer Set up & develop community composting facilities, polytunnels, improved recycling facilities and environment projects, ensuring that Helmsdale is an Eco Village that other villages can aspire to be like Research renewable energy options & encourage production of all forms of renewable energy for local use and export Improve the image of the village through floral displays Culture, Heritage and Tourism Create a network of footpaths around the village and wider area that take in sites of historic interest and places of natural beauty etc Set up and develop a potential caravan and camping park Investigate the potential for a Countryside Ranger Improve and implement signage throughout the district for sites of historic and archaeological interest Investigate the potential for a wider events programme incorporating music, film and theatre. Develop a Helmsdale marketing strategy Develop the Harbour area, preserving whats there and exploring the potential for boat facilities, art work, displays, herbour office Work with Helmsdale Community Interest Company of the Railway station redevelopment Identify projects which would benefit the cultural ....

Development Priorities

Housing Create an accurate account of the housing situation in the Helmsdale district Investigate potential housing sites for new builds Increase the availability of rented accommodation Investigate the potential for a trial house for those looking to move to the area to stay in for a trial period

Young People Maintain and improve sports facilities Work with youth group to improve current facilities Investigate and implement new interest groups - young film, music Research and set up a youth exchange programme Implement work experience opportunties with a skills development strategy Develop new training initiatives

Services Lobby for an improved community broadband package Investigate potential for community oil deliveries Investigate potential for a Northern Times Reporter to be based in area Implement a community notice board Healthcare transport for elderly and infirm Act in the communities interest over land buy-out opportunities Business and Employment Organise an economic inpact survey for the local fishing industry Research and pursue options for the petrol station Develop new business units and support new business start-ups (eg, using school building) Encourage skills development and use of existing skills in different ways Recognise and promote crofting and fishing as a core employment in the area

These are just some of the areas we hope to address. This plan is a working document and we aim to meet as many of your aims for the Helmsdale District as possible. Please dont hesitate in letting us know your priorities for development.

Helmsdale and District Development Group Helmsdale and District Development Group (HDDG) was set up in April 2010, following several public meetings, for the benefit of the Helmsdale and district community. The sole purpose of the group is to put the local development plan, which will be created through close community consultation, into operation. Members of HDDG Lucy Fraser (Chair) Valery George (Secretary) Rachel Skene Ronald Sutherland Barbara Jappy Karen Sutherland Gary MacMillan Nicola Henderson If you are interested in becoming a member of HDDG please contact Valery George.

Growth at the Edge

Helmsdale and District Development Plan 2010-2012?

Shaping our future together

LOGOS Supported by HIE and the Highland Leader programme 2007 - 2013

The Issues Facing Helmsdale District Sutherland is one of the largest, but least populated areas in the whole of Europe. The countys population is about 13000 and the population of the Helmsdale district is 838 which is only 6.5% of the total. The population is in decline and there is a high dependancy on facilities and employment outwith the area. A key area of concern is the low proportion of young adults, which is a Highland-wide issue, but particularly pronounced in Sutherland. The 16-24 age group, for example, only makes up 7.3% of the population compared to 9.3% of the Highland population. Many move out of the area to pursue higher or further education and training or to take up jobs. It is therefore important that this plan helps encourage new employment opportunities and better community facilities to complement the provision of more housing and so help sustain the existing communities. There is a very demanding task ahead of us, but the alternative is to do nothing and allow the decline to continue. This is not a situation that HDDG are prepared to contemplate as we believe Helmsdale deserves better!

Our Key aims: To develop a diverse and robust economy in the Helmsdale District that will meet the needs and aspirations of the community To work with the community to improve access to services - economic and cultural - that will reverse population decline and improve the quality of life To protect and develop the environment of the Helmsdale district, ensuring the sustainable use of its resources.