Leader: Nick Tatchell

Who is represented on the group?

● Highland Community Waste Partnership

● Little Loch Broom Marine Life

● New Broom Community Shop and Hub

● Ullapool Unpacked CIC

● Wester Ross Biosphere

and individual Lochbroom residents.

Origins and Aims

The UCT Environment & Sustainability Working Group was first established in January 2018 in response the UCT 2017- 2027 Community Growth Plan which detailed the community’s desire to see positive action on environmental issues.

The aim of the group is to bring together people within the community who have a professional role or an interest in making a positive contribution to environmental issues such as reducing waste, protecting biodiversity and nature, supporting sustainable ways of living and working, and taking action on climate change.

Discussions underway:

• Reducing waste going to landfill, challenging the habit of using single use cups and containers when buying food and drink from local cafes.

• Promoting plastic free shopping

• The health and sustainable flourishing of our rivers and marine environments

• Improving energy efficiency of housing, to reduce bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Promoting active travel and sustainable transport (with LUCT Active Travel group)

• Establishing a climate café (discussion space) in Ullapool

Projects Completed:

• Consultation survey on Home Energy use

• Energy Saving tips published in local media

• Collaboration with Home Energy Scotland on Home Energy Advice drop in events

• Feasibility review of installing public composting toilets in our area

• “Green Screen” (series of environmental film screenings): collaboration with other local environmental groups

• Campaign for a public drinking fountain in Ullapool

Current projects:

Highland Community Waste Partnership: The group responded to an invitation by Keep Scotland Beautiful to join 7 other communities across the Highlands in a bid for National Lottery Funding to tackle food waste, single use plastic and to promote reuse and repair. The bid was successful and the 3-year programme (2022 – 2025), the first of its kind in Scotland, received a grant of £1.5m to deliver its aims. LUCT employs a part-time development officer dedicated to the programme.

Home Energy Advice and Retrofit – follow-up from HES Advice days in Ullapool : We are in the process of applying for funding to provide tailored advice, information and practical support to the community across all areas of domestic energy consumption and home insulation.

How often do we meet? Monthly in person or virtually

Join Us

We are always keen to have new members join the group! If you are passionate about making a difference and would like to get involved, please get in touch by emailing info@ullapoolcommunity.org or drop into the New Broom and speak to one of the team to register your interest.