After more than a year of planning and fundraising, work has begun on a project which will drastically enhance Columba’s ability to deliver quality leadership programmes in a practical yet inspiring setting.  The extension of the existing centre in Staffin, Skye, will provide more space to deliver programmes, as well as a new hall to mirror Kilmartin Hall, which will allow for Kilmartin hall to be used for a wider range of purposes.

The past few years have seen an expansion of programmes offered by Columba, from just 18 leadership academies in 2001, to 36 in 2006.  As the number of people through our doors steadily rises, we’ve become increasingly aware of the pressure on our existing programme space, and the need to expand to cope with ever expanding demands on the centre.

On Monday January 15th, the first shovelful of earth was officially turned by Jackie Gillies, Centre Coordinator for the Staffin Centre.  Jackie has been involved with Columba 1400 for many years, and is at the heart of the smooth operation at the centre, so it was only fitting that she be the first to get her hands dirty in creating the extension.  It is expected that Construction of the extension will be complete by the end of 2007.

We have currently raised just over £1m, just £200,000 short of our fundraising target of £1.2 million to cover the cost of this much needed extension.