Sonas Childcare & Ramsay Hall Update

Following the recent community consultation about the Ramsay Hall, the SID board and staff have reviewed the community's aspirations and how best they can be met within the wider scope of The Playing Fields. The Sonas Steering Group (Mums and childcare providers) also met with SID in order to discuss the main topics with regards:

The SID Board have pledged to work towards:-

• The completion of a lease agreement for The Ramsay Hall with Argyll & Bute Council meaning the management of the Hall will be run locally once again.
• Pursuing new childcare facilities on the Playing Fields site in line with recent Scottish Government guidelines.
• New upgraded facilities in the main hall which are accessible to all.
• A multi-purpose accessible space downstairs in The Ramsay Hall which is available to hire for changing rooms or functions.
• Dedicated storage for the main users - Port Ellen Juniors and Mother & Toddlers.
• New office or storage rooms for hire in The Ramsay Hall.
• Increasing the dedicated space for the play park and adding more equipment as funding becomes available.

The plan shows the new location of a potential new childcare/nursery building on The Playing Fields which has it’s own dedicated site and parking. This will complement the potential Ramsay Hall upgrade for large functions/sports/events and the Community Hub building with it’s café, local businesses and small function room.

The Next Steps:-

• Finalise the plans and submit planning permission with Argyll & Bute Council;
• Continue to finalise the heads of terms for The Ramsay Hall lease with Argyll & Bute Council;
• Continue to apply and secure funding towards the projects on the plan;
• Continue to work closely with all the groups involved.

Copies of the Updated Plans are available in local shops, at the SID Office or online at www.southislay.co.uk

The Updated Ramsay Hall Drawings:-

The Updated Childcare Facility Drawing:-