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Community Welcome Hub with toilets in Bute Community Forest
Proposal code: AP-2026-05-168
The project will create the Bute Forest Hub, a welcoming entrance and community meeting place within the community-owned Bute Forest at the former Shalunt Quarry site near Rhubodach on Bute.
Estimated Price
350000
1. What do we want to do?
The project will create the Bute Forest Hub, a welcoming entrance and community meeting place within the community-owned Bute Forest at the former Shalunt Quarry site near Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute. Funding is being sought for the following activities:
- Construction of timber reception and meeting hut for visitors, schools and community groups
- Construction of a toilet block with two toilets, including accessible facilities
- Construction of a shower block with two showers to support visitors staying in the Charcoal Huts and other forest users
- Creation of safe cycle parking and car parking areas, including accessible parking and drop-off space
- Installation of picnic benches, outdoor seating and community gathering areas within the natural amphitheatre space of the quarry
- Installation of an off-grid renewable energy system including solar panels and battery storage
- Installation of an eco-sewage treatment plant and water infrastructure
- Landscaping, woodland management and replanting works including habitat improvements, bird boxes and accessible pathways
- Creation of improved walking and cycling access linking the hub and Moss Wood, the Charcoal Huts, the Community Shelter and the wider forest path network
- Development of infrastructure to support educational activities, conservation projects, wellbeing programmes and sustainable tourism opportunities
The project will be delivered by Bute Community Land Company in partnership with:
- getMADE design - local designers on Bute also designed & built the Charcoal Huts
- Morham & Brotchie
- Narro
- Local school, ecologists, forestry specialists and community organisations across the Isle of Bute
We currently have funding support from HIE and the National Lottery for circa. £220k however this project has had many unforeseen costs and we require extra funding to cover this so the project can go ahead.
2. Why is our project needed?
Bute Community Forest is one of Scotland's largest Community-owned forests and already attracts thousands of visitors every year, including local schools, community groups and tourists. However, there is currently no dedicated entrance point, parking provision, toilets, shelter or shower facilities within the forest.
Over the last 18 months alone, Bute Forest has hosted:
- More than 90 forest school sessions across five schools
- 15 community events
- 40 additional group meetings and activities
Despite strong demand, the absence of toilets, showers and meeting facilities restricts participation, particularly for families, schools, older people and visitors staying overnight in the Charcoal Huts. Feedback from hut visitors has shown that the lack of showers prevents many guests from extending their stay.
3. What positive changes will our project bring about?
The Bute Forest Hub will deliver significant social, environmental and economic benefits for the Isle of Bute Community.
Positive changes will include:
- Improved access to nature for local residents, schools and visitors
- Increased opportunities for outdoor learning, forest school sessions and environmental education
- Better health and wellbeing through walking, cycling and outdoor community activities
- Safe and accessible facilities including toilets, showers, parking and gathering spaces
- Increased visitor numbers and longer stays, supporting the local economy
- New opportunities for sustainable tourism and small-scale woodland enterprise
- Increased income generation to help secure the long-term sustainability of Bute Communtiy Forest
- Regeneration of a neglected brownfield quarry site into a vibrant community space
- Enhanced biodiversity through replanting, habitat creation and environmentally sensitive landscaping
- Reduced environmental impact through off-grid renewable energy systems and eco wastewater treatment
- Creation of a stronger community hub where local people, artists, researchers, volunteers and visitors can meet, learn and collaborate
The project will particularly benefit:
- Local schools and young people
- Community groups and volunteers
- Walkers, cyclists and outdoor recreation users
- Visitors to the Charcoal Huts
- Conservation and ecology research groups
- Residents seeking opportunities to improve physical and mental wellbeing through nature connection
4. How long will the project run for?
The capital development and construction phase of the Bute Forest Hub is expected to run for approximately 6 months. Following completion, the Hub will operate as a long-term permanent community asset managed by Bute Community Land Company for the ongoing benefit of the community, schools and visitors.