Gairloch & Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE)

How We Started

Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (more usually known as GALE) is a long established (1997) community owned and managed charitable development company

What We Do

Aiming to improve the way of life and standard of living in the Gairloch and Loch Ewe area of Wester Ross, GALE works with a range of community groups and volunteers to develop sustainable community projects that tackle important issues within its community of 2,500. It currently employs 4 staff (1 F/T).

Current enterprises include running the Gairloch Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and shop, a community website (http://www.highlandwelcome.co.uk) with online shop, a weekly crafts and produce market, and the local public toilets. It is also involved in the sale and promotion of local products, a waste minimisation project, and a photographic project for people with mental illnesses.

GALE has been financially self-sustaining from trading activity for 8 years
 

Our Future Plans

Whilst not owning any asset currently, GALE will shortly embark on the construction of a major new community building (£870k) that will front a significant community housing development facilitated by the Highland Small Community Housing Trust. This centre will incorporate the TIC, a café, shop, office space and a learning centre