Village Hall Renovation Project Completed

After eighteen months of fundraising and construction, the renovated Glenbrae Village Hall officially reopened its doors last Saturday. The project, which cost one hundred and forty thousand pounds, was funded through a combination of Highland Council grants, the National Lottery Community Fund, and over thirty thousand pounds raised by the village itself.

Modern Facilities, Traditional Character

The renovation has transformed the hall’s interior while preserving its 1923 exterior. New features include a fully accessible entrance ramp, upgraded kitchen facilities, improved insulation, and a modern heating system that will slash running costs. The main hall retains its wooden floor and stage, both carefully restored by local craftsman Alan Gow.

“The hall is the heart of the village,” said Hall Committee chair Ishbel Cameron. “Every wedding, every ceilidh, every election, every jumble sale — it all happens here. We needed a building that could serve the community for the next hundred years, and I think we have that now.”

A Community Effort

The fundraising effort drew contributions from across the community. The distillery donated proceeds from a special bottling, the Young Farmers organised a sponsored walk up Beinn Ghlas, and the primary school children raised over four hundred pounds with a bake sale. Volunteer labour during the fit-out saved an estimated fifteen thousand pounds.

The hall is now available for bookings through the Village Hall Committee. An open day is planned for Saturday 28 June, with tours, tea, and home baking from 11 am.