Merkinch has recently been awarded £250,000 to help promote and improve its facilities for young people in the area. The grant is a part of a £2.1 million injection into the Highlands and Islands as part of the government’s Social Inclusion Partnership Scheme (SIPS) announced by the Highlands and Islands Minister, Calum MacDonald recently.

At a meeting in the Town House on Tuesday 9th March, which was attended by representatives from Merkinch Community Centre, South Kessock Safety Karers, Inverness High School, Merkinch Enterprise, Local Councillor, Ali MacLean, Merkinch Community Council, the Police and representatives from other organisations. It was agreed that an executive committee should be set up to enable plans to progress towards a number of proposals.

The committee, which will include a broad cross-section of people from Merkinch, will work towards a draft document which will set out how the funds will be utilised. Projects that have been debated, which may become key features of the draft policy framework, have included support for young council house tenants and mediation and advice for young pregnant woman. It is hoped that the young residents of Merkinch will be come involved in the strategy by offering their opinions and ideas on how they think the cash would be best spent.

The bid for the cash was put together by Highland Wellbeing Alliance, a partnership made up of Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Northern Constabulary, Highland Health Board and Scottish Homes.

During an earlier meeting at Merkinch Community Centre, Tuesday 2nd March, Mr MacDonald announced a three-year funding package for the area. He said "The object of this project is to try to connect young people from across the board to the opportunities that are there and to provide new opportunities, services and facilities for them It is really crucial to get feedback from young people - that is one of the objectives."

The aim of the social inclusion strategy is to involve local people in the decision making that affects the area they live in and where and how the money should be spent. Ivor Souter, Manager at Merkinch Community Centre said, "What we are aiming to do is to build on the work that has already been undertaken by the many community groups and activists who actually drew up the Youth Strategy proposal, and with the financial aid from the S.I.P.S, the money will be able to go into a number of different projects."

If you would like more information on the Merkinch Youth Strategy or S.I.P.S, contact Ivor at the Community Centre or Chris Claridge at the Highland Council.

News and Views will keep you up-to-date on any developments and welcome any ideas or thoughts on how you think the money should be spent.