Everyone at NorthWest2045 is delighted to congratulate Frances Gunn on her appointment as Co-chair of the Sutherland Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), alongside Ian Ross of Golspie.
The Pride in Place Programme is a significant new UK Government initiative that will bring £19.6 million of investment over the next ten years to support community-led regeneration across Sutherland. The programme aims to tackle long-standing challenges, including rural depopulation, while helping communities shape a stronger, more sustainable future.
Frances has been at the heart of community development across the Northwest Highlands for many years. She has chaired numerous organisations and, since 2020, has led NorthWest2045, followed by the NorthWest2045 Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP) when it was established in 2021.
Her leadership, vision and ability to bring people together have played a vital role in helping communities work collaboratively to address shared challenges around housing, childcare, the environment, employment and population decline.
As she takes on this important new role, Frances will, with great reluctance, step down as Chair of NorthWest2045 and the RLUP in due course to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. She will, however, remain a valued supporter of both organisations and continue to offer her advice and encouragement whenever she can.
Ewen McLachlan of Assynt Development Trust, the anchor organisation for NorthWest2045 and the RLUP, said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Frances. Assynt Development Trust and the wider NorthWest2045 network have benefited enormously from her experience, extensive network, sound judgement and tireless energy in creating positive change across the NorthWest2045 area.”
Reflecting on her time as Chair, Frances said:
“It has been a privilege to have been involved with NorthWest2045 since the very beginning. Bringing together the many communities and organisations across the area has been a truly collaborative effort, and together we have worked to address the challenges of depopulation, housing, childcare and the environment. Our work has gained the attention of government and partner organisations, and we are beginning to see real change happening on the ground.”
The NorthWest2045 Steering Group will now begin considering the process of appointing a new Chair. While Frances will be greatly missed in the role, everyone involved wishes her every success in leading the Pride in Place Programme and looks forward to seeing the positive impact this significant investment will bring to communities across Sutherland.
Congratulations, Frances, on this well-deserved appointment.
