Dave Thompson MSP

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP, Dave Thompson has urged Highland Council to reconsider their position on the Black Isle Swimming Pool.

Mr Thompson had written to the council earlier in the year asking for a financial commitment to be given to the swimming pool project, but had been told by council officials that a successful Lottery application was ‘not dependent on council funding being in place.’

Stuart Edmond of The Black Isle Swimming Pool Foundation, however, has appealed to the MSP for help once again after submitting a revised application and Business Plan to the Big Lottery for formal consideration.

Mr Edmond told the MSP that officials at the Big Lottery had been very supportive, describing the application as “a really good project with a sound business plan, demonstrated need and realistic projections of usage and income”. However, they had also made it clear that the application was likely to fail without a firm commitment from the Council to give revenue funding.

Commenting Dave said: "It would appear that the information I was given by the council was incorrect and the swimming pool application does indeed depend on council support. I would therefore urge the council to reconsider its position and give this excellent project the financial commitment it needs to ensure a successful outcome from the Big Lottery."