BID Fort William is proud to continue supporting local businesses through its Property Improvement Grant scheme, designed to help levy payers invest in the visual and structural enhancement of their premises. These improvements not only uplift individual properties but also contribute to a more vibrant, welcoming, and professional business environment across Fort William.
The following recent projects highlight the positive impact of the scheme and encourage other levy payers to consider applying.
BID Fort William’s Property Improvement Grant continues to make a tangible difference to businesses across the area, helping them invest in their premises and contribute to a more attractive built environment. One of the latest recipients of the scheme is the Railway Club, a well-established venue that plays a vital role not only as a local business but as a genuine cornerstone of community life – particularly in Inverlochy.
The following recent projects highlight the positive impact of the scheme and encourage other levy payers to consider applying.
The Railway Club applied for the grant to address a practical but pressing problem: deteriorating wooden fascia boards that had become weathered and unsightly over time. Replacing them with new plastic-coated UPVC boards has transformed the exterior of the building — making it both more weather-resistant and considerably more aesthetically pleasing. The work used quality Eurocell roofline products, ensuring a finish that matches the existing exterior and is built to last.
The award was granted at the full level – £1200 including VAT – and the Property Improvement Grant contributed towards making that investment achievable.
“Receiving support from BID Fort William’s Property Improvement Grant has made a real difference to our club. The funding allowed us to replace the deteriorating wooden fascia boards with new UPVC cladding, which has transformed the appearance of the building and made it properly weatherproof for the first time in years.
As a community venue, we take real pride in our premises, and this improvement reflects that. The building looks far better from the street, and we know it will stand up to the weather for years to come. We’re grateful to BID Fort William for making it straightforward and accessible. Without the grant, this work would have been much harder to prioritise.
The Railway Club has served the Inverlochy community for many years, and investments like this help us continue doing that with a building we can be proud of.”
The Railway Club recognised that the condition of the building’s exterior reflected on the venue as a whole. Rotten wooden fascia boards are not only unattractive — they allow moisture ingress, accelerating further deterioration if left unaddressed. By replacing them with durable UPVC capping boards, the Club has protected its building for years to come whilst significantly improving its appearance from the street.
The grant offered an important opportunity to carry out work that was both necessary and overdue. Through the scheme, businesses can secure meaningful support for improvements that might otherwise be deferred.
We are proud to support the Railway Club through this scheme. Beyond its function as a local venue, the Club contributes enormously to the social fabric of the community providing a welcoming and accessible space where people can come together. Supporting businesses like this is precisely what the Property Improvement Grant is here to do: enabling reinvestment in premises that matter to the wider community, not just their immediate customers.
A well-maintained building sends a clear message: that a business is here for the long term and takes pride in its place within the community.
If your business premises could benefit from an upgrade, the Property Improvement Grant offers a straightforward and supportive route to making it happen.
To apply, contact BID Fort William’s Project Manager, Mary Philip: manager@bidfortwilliam.co.uk 07448 533 127 www.bidfortwilliam.co.uk/business-grants
Applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis, so early submission is encouraged. Full details can be found in the grant application form.
