The Gelly Trust

Gelly Loch Draft Proposal

The Gelly Trust is a Social Partnership led by Loch of Shining Waters and the Lochgelly Community Development Forum which aims to rejuvenate areas of the Gelly Loch for the benefit of the local community.

The Gelly Trust will be fully constituted voluntary organisation which will work with other local non profit groups and individuals to develop a range of facilities and activities for the positive development of the Loch.

Background

Loch Gelly was formerly known as Loch Gheallaidh, which is Gaelic, and loosely translated means ‘Shining Waters’, (Loch of Shining Waters), or can also be translated as ‘Loch of Brightness’.

The loch was once well used by the local community in bygone days, up until the late 80s, early 90s, where the area was used as an important water skiing area. Since then, the Loch declined in usage and accessibility.

The Loch supports a thriving variety of bird species, bats, and other entomology, and more can be made of this beautiful area.

we would like to create a project that will rejuvenate areas of Gelly Loch, including making it more accessible to the general public, and provide a small facility for educational purposes.

Proposed Development – Working Draft

To create an eco friendly visitors centre which will double as an educational resource for local schools. Provide a friendly and accessible area for individuals and families, including creating pathways around the Gelly Loch.

Education will consist of allowing school visits with a specialised tutor/ranger that will be able to provide educational information on:

Environmental issues and renewable technologies (Solar Power, Wind Farms, Wave Farms, Geo-Thermal Energies, etc.)
The study of entomology in the local area
The study of plant life and the variety of plant species within the local area.
The study of the variety of bird species currently using the Gelly Loch (Swans, Geese, and a variety of species of Duck)
Study of water life (species of fish, micro-organisms in the water, tadpoles, frogs, etc.)
Study of bats

To achieve this project, we would be looking to either (a) create a working partnership between several local community groups, as a trust, to further develop the idea with public support, or (b) form a constituted voluntary group with Social Enterprise or Charitable status from members of the local communities of Lochgelly.

Ideally this would be a community led initiative with individuals taking control and creating a proper legal non profit organisation to develop the ideas, under the guidance of a trust, made up of local professional organisations, such as community interest groups and community councils, whom will provide their time, knowledge, expertise and support to help develop the project as a valuable and educational resource for the local community.

This project is the very early stages and will be a long term project that will require much input from the local community. If you would like further information, or would like to get involved please contact us.