The Old Mission Hall in Leurbost has been sold by Soval Estate and all the proceeds, amounting to more than £30000, have been divided between Lochs Free Church and North Lochs Community Association.

Richard Kershaw, the owner of Soval Estate, said “the Mission Hall had ceased to be used and, while it was owned by the Estate, it seemed much more appropriate that the capital produced from the sale should go back to both the church and the local community. I am delighted that this will be put to good use within the local area’’

Soval Estate has been in the same family for three generations and employs up to ten people during the summer months with five full-time jobs.

Soval Lodge was totally redeveloped 11 years ago enabling bookings to be built up to where it is now let to parties on a full board and lodging basis thus making a valuable contribution to the local economy.

Murdo Macleod, Session Clerk of Lochs Free Church, said “this generous contribution is a significant boost which will go a long way towards strengthening and sustaining the work of the church in this community into the future. As proprietors of Soval, Richard and Marie Kershaw have long demonstrated their support to the local community and this gesture is a very tangible expression of that support for which we as a congregation are extremely grateful.’’

Iain Macaskill, Chairperson of the North Lochs Community Association, said “Following a very trying 17 months for the local community, NLCA is once again grateful to Richard and Marie of Soval for maintaining their support for North Lochs Community Centre by making a substantial donation towards our running costs.

"This will enable us to continue to provide a space which people of all ages can utilise.’’

Photo, from left…Iain Macaskill - Chairperson of North Lochs Community Association; Marie Kershaw - Soval Estate Owner; Rev Calum Iain Macleod - Minister of Lochs Free Church; Richard Kershaw - Soval Estate Owner;  Robert Macdonald – Lochs Free Church Congregational Treasurer.