Belmont House in Unst given £87,000 boost

Belmont House has gone on the market.

Belmont House in Unst has received around £87,000 in grants to further develop the historic property.

A grant of £45,814 has been received from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) while a further £41,231.25 has been secured from the local Leader programme.

The plan is to convert a former garage on the site to a multi-functional studio which will provide more space for functions and disabled facilities. The funding will also help to investigate an alternative renewable energy source and secure a part-time business development manager.

The Georgian building is owned and managed by the local community. It was restored and placed into community ownership after a successful £1.2 million funding bid by the Belmont Trust.

“High-end visitor accommodation” is currently offered, with all profits being reinvested into the building to preserve the house for the community.
Belmont Trust chairman Mike Finnie said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding which enables us to enhance the splendid facilities we offer guests at Belmont House.

“We are very aware that many similar properties in Scotland have reverted to private from community ownership due to the high costs of running historic properties.  We are committed to keeping Belmont as a community asset and would like to thank everyone who visits and stays in the house for their support to making this a success.”

HIE development manager Fiona Stirling added: “Belmont House has been a successful community asset for a number of years and this funding injection will only continue the positive impact that it has had on the community.

“Job creation and income generation are key factors in a strong community and we’re delighted that on this occasion our funding will tick those boxes.”