A NEW chapter in the history of the Cullen Community and Residential Centre (CCRC) unfolded on Friday when Moray Council handed over the lease for the facility. The centre will now be run by the Three Kings Cullen Association (TKCA) on behalf of the community as part of the longer-term Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process to take over full ownership of the premises. One of those delighted to have reached this point in the process was TKCA chairwoman Brenda Gifford. “I can hardly believe this point has arrived,” she said. “It’s been a long process as it’s a complicated project. “There have been a lot of legalities to deal with due to the multi-purpose nature of the building. “In the short term we intend to access the deficit funding available so charges at the centre shouldn’t rise. “We’ll be reviewing what’s happening with the residential side of things with a view to expanding it. At the moment we’re only using eight or nine per cent of it so there’s a lot of space to make improvements and increase income streams for what is a unique facility in Moray.” There will be an open day at the centre on Saturday September 22 from 10am until 3pm, with an information sharing meeting being held at 10am. The handover was hailed by local councillors Ron Shepherd, Theresa Coull and Donald Gatt. Councillor Shepherd said: “This is excellent news for the whole community and a major step forward in their ultimate aim of assuming ownership. “It’s a well used building and the Three Kings Cullen Association are working hard to increase the number of people using it. Councillor Coull praised the team of volunteers who made it al possible. “The team of volunteers have worked long and hard to get to where they are today and my thanks goes to all of them,” she continued. “The process will continue to a Community Asset Transfer and I am sure the close community of Cullen and surrounding areas will support them through the next stage. “Cullen has a unique building not only as a community centre for various group activities but also providing
accommodation for groups near and far and I have no doubt this will be a tremendous success.” Praising the willingness of the local community to get “stuck in”, Councillor Gatt added: “When faced with the closure of the Moray Council run Cullen Community Centre due to Scottish Government funding cuts the community organised public meetings and galvanised a core group of volunteers to take on the task, no easy feat. “That the people of Cullen have managed to do this in such a short timescale is a great credit to all concerned. I wish them every success and hope Cullen Community Centre remains a facility for locals and visitors alike long into the future.”