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Community sawmill, Kilmory
Proposal code: AP-2025-06-126
To create a small scale saw mill, using local timber and creating produce that is useful, cost effective, locally sourced and grown. Providing training and volunteering opportunities.
Estimated Price
70000
1. What do you want to do?
We want to establish a small scale, community sawmill at Kilmory, Lochgilphead. We intend to install a milling platform in a container/shed type structure for weather proofing and security. We want to use locally grown wood and create sustainable products such as boards for tables, benches, raised beds, bird & bat boxes. By product sawdust can also be used for e.g. animal bedding The intention is for the facility to be available for community use, we need staff time to oversee the installation and fitting and some staff resource during the first year of its presence to establish good working practices and volunteering. In the longer term, most of the activity is expected to be by volunteers in return for produce, experience and, where appropriate, training.
2. Why is your project needed?
Enterprise; There are opportunities for niche markets such as furniture makers, cabinet makers, depending on the timber we are able to access. We hope to use timber from the Kilmory Woodland Park area. If this can become incoming generating there are economic benefits, potential job creation, skills development and improved sustainability for the organisation.
Local community benefit; the opportunity for volunteering provides good potential for community cohesion and improved wellbeing which, in turn reduces pressure on public services.
Supply of small wood products; It is difficult to source locally grown timber due to largely commercial markets.
This links with the vision and aims of the Argyll Rainforest Strategy (attached) particularly Vision 2.5 Argyll’s rainforest will contribute more to local economic activity and community wellbeing. Aim 3.4 Developing outreach and educational programs, alongside specialised training, qualification and job opportunities relating to rainforests and restoration activities across Argyll. and Objective 4.4 Greater integration and consideration of rainforest connectivity into other land uses such as renewable energy, agriculture and productive forestry.
3. What positive changes will your project bring about?
A community space for volunteering
An opportunity to engage in physical activity with tangible outputs including; timber products, training and experience for the workplace, a locally relevant industry and cultural heritage interest.
4. How long will your project run for?
This application will see the installation and fitting of the sawmill facility c. 12 weeks, with the remainder of the year (c. 25 weeks) establishing activities and developing good safe working practices, supported by a part time member of staff.
Partnership organisations:
Argyll Green Woodworkers Association.