Macaulay College to enhance facilities and double student capacity
A £1m project by a social enterprise in the Isle of Lewis is to expand following confirmation of funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and other organisations.
Macaulay College CIC provides year-round supported learning experiences for people with additional support needs.
Up to £150,000 investment has been secured from HIE towards the development, which will allow the college to double student numbers, increase turnover and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Based on Macaulay Farm, three miles outside Stornoway, the community interest company was set up 14 years ago by directors Roland Engebretsen and Rebecca Lindsay.
It began with just one student and has now reached full capacity with 24 students and employs 18 people. The current building will be replaced with modern facilities.
The current building will be refurbished and extended, replacing existing facilities with modern facilities that will allow accessibility for all
Students range from school age to adults who can access a broad range of opportunities designed around their individual skills and requirements.
For the majority it provides a long-term destination supporting a happy and productive lifestyle. For some the service is a stepping stone to further education or employment.
Learning options include animal care - the farm is home to pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, a pony, chickens and more. There are horticulture activities in the polytunnel and polycrub, creativity through arts, crafts, woodwork and drama as well as life skills including enterprise - selling the farm eggs, student art work and greetings cards, candle making and producing jams and chutneys grown on site. There is also support for students to attend Lews Castle College, workplaces, and social and community events.
Donald Murray, development manager at HIE in Innse Gall, said: “As a small social enterprise that has grown steadily, Macaulay College has had significant impact on the local community. We’re really pleased to support them in this exciting latest development, and we look forward to seeing the site transformed into a modern new facility, which will enable it to grow and increase student numbers.”
Rebecca, said: “We are delighted with this funding award from HIE and for their advice and encouragement throughout the development of this project. With most of the grant funding secured for our overall development plans, preparations for the project can proceed.
“The confidence and experience gained in attending Macaulay College has enabled some people to move into employment and further education while for the majority of attendees, the benefits are evident through improved mental and physical health and increased quality of life. This development will make a difference to families and students as well as those who work here and will also reduce pressure on other local, at capacity services. It will allow more families to work while their loved one is supported at the college. It will support the local economy as well as increase what Macaulay College will offer as a wider community resource.”
The project is also being supported by the UK Government Community Ownership Fund, which awarded the project £500,000, CNES Crown Estates, Galson Estate Trust, Muaitheabhal Community Windfarm Trust, Horshader Community Development and Stornoway Trust.
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