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From Small Seeds - Cornabus Community Forest Initiative
2025-05-08 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
IDI has set aside an initial 25 acres of Cornabus Community Forest to deliver housing, a Community Orchard, Garden and allotments for the community.
In 2021 we carried out extensive consultation on the proposed development site within the now community owned Cornabus Forest. Formerly a commercial Sitka Spruce plantation, the whole site will eventually be replanted with native broadleaf to replicate the Atlantic Rainforest once prevalent on Islay, delivering significant biodiversity benefits but also on the community wish list from the consultation was housing for young people, allotments, an orchard and forest trails and a garden areas.
The project will endeavour to add social and environmental value to the site and also create a space for community members and groups to enjoy. In 2020 Islay lost it's well-known community garden at Islay House, due to the property being sold on the open market. This was a much loved and used community space. Although the site at Cornabus is not a walled garden, extensive research on other forest garden initiatives was carried out in 2022 - including visits to Royal Botanical Society managed forests and formal garden spaces, such as Benmore and Puck's Glen. The intention is to take some elements of the old community garden site and duplicate them and the new, with lots of additional features.
The project is highly ambitious, and the first stage of funding has been secured from Inspiring Scotland for development of the tree nursery site where we will grow the replacement trees. Secondary funding has come from Carbon Neutral Islands, specifically to create some of the infrastructure and assist with a circular economy approach to fuel wood supply on the island at affordable rates.
This is a lifetime legacy project that will create a destination for outdoor enjoyment but also offer a range of solutions to the socio-economic challenges that the island faces with a strong focus on becoming Carbon Neutral. Islay is in a housing crisis and the addition of 10 affordable houses will help address some of those issues. To ease pressure on the Grid, the project also comes with it’s own district heating system using the remaining Sitka Spruce on site as a fuel source, a wind turbine and solar panels.
The finished project will deliver a host of positive benefits including but not limited to:
- Employment
- Affordable Housing
- Circular Economy approach/local fuel
- Community garden
- Allotments
- Carbon capture in new tree planting
- Significant destination space for locals and visitors alike.
The project will link into Argyll College, Islay High School, Youth Initiative and employability. Partners and funders will be Scottish Government – Rural and Islands Housing Fund, Argyll and Bute Council and National Lottery. Community group usage will be open to all groups on the island and will link into national networks such as Community Woodlands Association, Scottish Islands Federation and Community Tree Nursery Network.
Tarbert Harbour Watercraft Launch & Recovery Slipway and Community Activity Hub
2025-04-09 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
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Tarbert Harbour Authority has a bold and strategic ambition to build a Launch and Recovery Sportscraft / Watersports Slipway together with a Community and Watersports Activity Hub. Whilst the Activity Hub and Slipway are linked as a strategic development; for the purposes of funding, build and project managment, they are being treated as distinct projects with individual costs, individual project timescales and individual benefits and outcome profiles. Phase 1 will see the development of a Watercraft Launch & Recovery Slipway, Kayak Pontoon and Boat Laydown Area - £1.5M Phase 2 will see the building of a Community Water Sports and Activity Hub - £1.4M.
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The Project utilises a vacant and semi-derelict harbourside development plot to address: A significant health and social gap in terms of water sports, gym and soft play areas and associated learning and development activities. An identified need for orgnanised, safe, educational and affordable access to the above facilities together with a learning area, meeting and events space. Community Facilities are vital for the well-being of rural villages and a community hub/gym combined with a water sports facility can be a game-changer for diverse groups of people. The integration of these amenities not only promotes physical health but also fosters social interaction together with economic growth.
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The development of the Community Water Sports Slipway and Activity Hub will provide wide ranging benefits. Adults and children in Tarbert and Loch Fyne's local communities will have accessible opportunites to improve their health, wellbeing, social confidence, learning and skill sets. Local families will benefit from access to safe soft play and early years development stimulus. Young people in education along Loch Fyne will have the opportunity to acquire new experiences, skills and qualifications that will support their social development and provide a platform for demonstrating their capabilities in diverse ways. Visitors to Tarbert and the surrounding area, whether for work or leisure purposes, will be able to relax and participate in safe gym exercise, supervised water-based activities, training and development in sailing and boating to established National Standards. Additional employment opportunities will be directly and indirectly created by this development. The development will be a major step forward in realising the next stage in the village's regeneration and development. Regular exercise is known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, leading to healthier, more product individuals. A well equipped gym provides access to fitness resources, encouraging users to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The gym will cater for a wide range of fitness levels and interests, from beginners to advanced. The Activity Hub will also be used as a training/meeting place for sports clubs/organisations, community groups, school groups, RYA training, activity leaders, famiies and friends.
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It is proposed, once all Phase 1 funding is in place, to commence the development of the Launch/Retrieval Watercraft slipway this financial year with a completion date of mid 2026, Phase 2 will follow, when funding allows, and when the final funding matrix is clearer.
Partnerships: We plan to collaborate with:
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Argyll & Bute community Council to align with local interests.
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Schools and educational institutions to promote learning opportunities.
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Local businesses, including bike hire providers and tourism boards, to enhance visitor engagement.
Isle of Mull Wet Weather Sports Hall
2025-06-01 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
What do you want to do?
Build a wet weather and indoor sports hall next to the Island playing fields at Garmony, near Craignure.
A healthy lifestyle is essential for the well being of a community. A core pillar of attaining health is access to physical activity. Over the past 20 years there has been a dramatic weather change on our island. Gone are the frosty days and snow covered mountains. During winters it rains most days and is often stormy. As a direct result of this sports participation on Mull has fallen away at an alarming rate. The proposed project is to construct a desperately needed Wet Weather Sports Hall. The project has significant support from throughout Mull. This was reinforced by active participation by our Community Council who submitted our application for full planning permission. This facility will be available for all to use. The Mull Rugby Club will be in full consultation with Sportscotland on a fair and equitable way to manage the facility.
Why is your project needed?
There is no wet weather or indoor sports hall on Mull. As Mull is an island people cannot travel to facilities elsewhere without difficulty. They must be provided locally.
Apart from greatly improving life on Mull this project will be invaluable to existing community sports groups, create opportunities for new organisations and, hopefully, re-establish some we have lost. Many events are organised at the Garmony playing fields but with the increase in inclement weather these often have to be cancelled on the day of the event. For example our island sports day has now been abandoned after many disruptions due to weather. It cannot proceed on wet grass. This was sole destroying for all involved. A cancellation causes great disruption to island life due to difficulties of communication as children are travelling by a variety of methods from up to 40 miles away and in different directions. With the hall this event could move inside if it was raining. The hall would also give our indoor athletes a suitable premises and allow them to have well catered home events on Mull. At last Mull would have a full sized basketball court and could, for the first time, play home games and join leagues. The facility would mean evening training for all sports could always go ahead no-matter the weather. Multiple badminton courts would provide an exciting and competitive space. It will even accommodate a tennis court for our keen players. It is heart breaking to record that the once very active Isle of Mull Football Association is no longer in existence. There is still a strong football presence on Mull and this facility will provide an indoor pitch giving an gateway to football participation in all weathers. And finally our own club, the Isle of Mull Rugby Club has seen a drastic decrease in player numbers over recent years. Training is almost always in wet, cold windy weather. This is disheartening for the players and leads to more injuries as the fitness to participate is diminished.
What positive changes will your project bring about?
This project will enrich life on the Island of Mull.
For the active participants the wet weather hall will provide a comfortable environment. This results in higher skill levels and increasing participation. For voluntary officials it will enhance achievement and remove the demoralising effect of bad weather. For communities it will encourage supporting roles and family involvement across all sports and leisure activities. The project also aligns with many lifestyle priorities. Well-being is improved. A tailored space protected from a hostile environment encourages diversity and inclusion for all. Try running a fun day in horizontal rain and our use of words becomes well chosen as only the hardy participate. Performance is improved across all age groups and skill levels leading to enhanced personal satisfaction.
It is highly probable that a project of this nature will encourage local families to stay on Mull and remove barriers to decisions on whether to move to our island. It is therefore considered that the project will have a positive impact on the population of our island. The Mull Community Council was unanimous in its support of the project.
By situating this project at Garmony it becomes part of a prooven sports destination. The Isle of Mull Rugby Sevens takes place at Garmony and this event has attracted teams from as far away as America with four figure attendances each year. Members and players of visiting teams and organisations will find the experience of using the facility highly rewarding.
How long will your project run for?
This project is stage three of the long term development of sports facilities at Garmony on the Isle of Mull.
Out of a need for playing facilities the Isle of Mull Rugby Club decided to embark on a long term development of sports facilities for the island. There were none available on Mull. An island survey by Tobermory High School selected Garmony as it was in a central position on Mull and was situated between the two main ferry terminals of Craignure and Fishnish.
Stage 1 Building a two pitch sports field from scratch on waste ground. Successfully completed.
Stage 2 Building changing rooms and community club house with kitchen. Successfully completed.
Stage 3 Building a wet weather facility. This objective was always planned but has become a matter of urgency in recent years. We project a start date and completion in 2026
The existing Garmony facilities are available for all to use. They also receive no revenue support and are fully self-supporting financially. We anticipate the same for Stage 3.
Renewing the fabric of Atlantis Leisure for the next Generation
2025-06-02 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
Atlantis Leisure is a vibrant, community-run health and wellbeing hub in the heart of Oban. For over 30 years, we’ve been a lifeline for locals of all ages - a place where toddlers learn to swim, teens train with sports clubs, adults improve their fitness and older residents stay active and connected. As a registered charity and social enterprise, every penny we earn is reinvested. Our huge range of facilities are designed to support active, healthy lives. We work with schools, NHS partners, and community groups to deliver inclusive, high-impact services. With over 150,000 visits a year and no other facility like it for 95 miles, Atlantis isn’t just a leisure centre - it’s the beating heart of our community.
This application comprises separate projects that are also listed on Aspiring Places indivdiually but we thought it made sense to group them together as a single proposal for the purposes of RCGF too:
1. What do you want to do? We propose a multi-strand capital regeneration programme at Atlantis Leisure — a vital, community-owned asset serving Oban and surrounding remote rural areas — to deliver large-scale, community-led change aligned with RCGF's aims that breathes new life into an over 50 year old facility.
This project brings together three deliverable, community-prioritised infrastructure improvements:
- Installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage: significanty reducing carbon emissions, lowering long-term operating costs and contributing to Net Zero targets. 160k
- Expansion of Atlantis’ gym: a two-storey extension to accommodate growing community demand, support inclusive programmes like Elevate & Stay Active, and provide flexible meeting and office space to host outreach services and community partners. 175k
- Creation of accessible changing facility: reconfiguring existing internal space, to provide a dignified, fully inclusive changing area to support disabled users 50k
- Restoration of end of life outdoor sports pitch: bringing an end-of-life, unusable asset back into service, enabling schools, clubs, and informal groups to use it year-round, relieving pressure from indoor space and boosting physical activity levels. 90k
- Restoration of Sports Hall Roof: rectifying end-of-life aspects of the roofing. 150,000k
2. Why is your project needed? Atlantis Leisure is a community-run registered charity and social enterprise that delivers year-round access to sport, physical activity, and wellbeing services. We are the only such facility within a 95-mile radius and serve over 150,000 users annually — yet key parts of our infrastructure are now limiting access, affordability, and impact.
- The pitch is end-of-life and unusable, with back-up facilities constrained by a statutory noise order.
- We've run out of room in our existing gym facility meaning vital communtiy programmes like Healthy Options are unable to operate properly
- There is no suitable changing space for users with complex access needs, meaning many are excluded from participation.
- Energy costs are surging, making it harder to deliver affordable access and sustain services for low-income families.
The project will regenerate these essential community assets, futureproof our building, reduce inequalities in access, and enable Atlantis to deliver sustainable social value for decades to come — directly supporting the RCGF’s priorities around deprivation, climate, inclusion, and place-based transformation.
3. What positive changes will your project bring about?
- Inclusive Infrastructure: The accessible changing space addresses long-standing inequality, empowering disabled users to participate fully & independently.
- Net-Zero Progress: Solar & battery systems will directly reduce carbon emissions, support national climate goals, & make Atlantis more financially sustainable.
- Renewed Community Space: The front pitch transformation will reinstate valuable outdoor capacity, expanding options for schools, clubs, and families.
- Address Capacity Issues: Expanding the gym answers a growing problem with existing capacity.
- Child Poverty Impact: Reducing running costs helps us to maintain subsidised programmes, removing financial barriers to physical & social wellbeing.
- Place-Based Renewal: This project aligns with the Place Principle and National Strategy for Economic Transformation by investing in a community-anchored asset with cross-cutting impact.
Together, these outcomes represent transformational, community-led regeneration that will enhance the resilience, health, and wellbeing of Oban.
4. How long will your project run for?
The project is fully deliverable within FY 2026–27.
- Start: Early 2026
- End: March 2027
- Drawdown Ready: All spend will be committed or completed within the terms of the RCGF.
- Delivery Approach: Projects will be managed by Atlantis Leisure’s Facilities Subgroup with oversight from the Board.
- Match Funding: Confirmed: Atlantis own contribution. Pending: we are actively pursuing applications and conversations with other funders including LES's CARES programme
Oban Lorne RFC's Community Sports & Events Hub (Phase 1-2)
2025-05-21 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
1. What do you want to do?
We aim to develop the Oban Sports & Events Hub—a modern, inclusive facility featuring a multi-sport clubhouse, floodlit pitches, gym, running track, and event spaces. This hub will serve as a central venue for sports, cultural events, and community gatherings, enhancing opportunities for physical activity and social engagement in Oban and the surrounding areas.
2. Why is your project needed?
Oban's existing sports infrastructure is outdated and lacks accessibility, limiting opportunities for participation in sports and community events. The current facilities do not meet the needs of the growing population, particularly youth and individuals with disabilities. By providing modern, accessible facilities, the Oban Sports & Events Hub will address these gaps, promoting inclusivity and community well-being.
3. What positive changes will your project bring about?
The hub will:
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Enhance Health and Well-being: Provide facilities that encourage physical activity across all age groups.
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Promote Inclusivity: Ensure accessible design for individuals with disabilities.
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Support Youth Development: Offer programs and spaces dedicated to youth engagement.
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Boost Local Economy: Attract events and visitors, supporting local businesses.
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Foster Community Cohesion: Serve as a gathering place for diverse community groups.
4. How long will your project run for?
The project is planned over multiple phases and is subject to funding and lease agreements. The project has been designed to be flexible but includes:
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Phase 1 (2025–mid 2026): Construction of the clubhouse, installation of floodlights, and development of the main pitch.
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Phase 2 (mid–late 2026): Addition of a running track and 4G area.
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Phase 3–4 (2027): Redevelopment of the bottom pitch and support of potential construction of the skate park.
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Phases 5–8 (2028–2032): Expansion to include additional facilities and infrastructure improvements.
Partnerships:
We plan to collaborate with:
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Local Sports Clubs: Oban Lorne RFC, Oban Saints FC, Oban Camanachd, and others.
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Educational Institutions: Local schools and youth organisations, including the school hostel.
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Community Groups: Oban Community Skate Park Committee and cultural organisations.
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Local Businesses & Charities: Atlantis Leisure, Adventure Oban, Happy Wee Health Club.
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Local Authorities: Argyll and Bute Council for planning and support.
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National Event Organisers
These partnerships will ensure the hub meets the diverse needs of the community and operates sustainably.
Oban Re_Store - Sustainability and Development
2025-05-30 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
After a successful first year of operation, the Connecting Communities Collective wants to continue to develop and improve our offerings to the community. Re_Store is more than a charity shop- alongside selling affordable food, clothing, books, toys and homewares, we promote sustainability and work to reduce waste. We deliver workshops and events to enable people to learn the skills to repair and upcycle clothing and accessories. We also run a Rescued Food Project, saving short date food from landfill, while offering access to affordable food. We programme events to promote sustainability, share our work and to celebrate our community.
The shop aims to alleviate the impacts of poverty, specifically by reducing food and textile waste and improving skills. While doing this, we have created a social and community hub- a welcoming, safe, creative and encouraging place that helps to alleviate social isolation and promotes community cohesion. We are keen to develop our workshop programme to engage more of the local community. After a successful pilot event in March 2025, we want to run another community fashion show in 2026 to promote sustainability and celebrate the work of Re_Store and the Connecting Communities Collective.
In partnership with a new community-led organisation- the Oban and District Development Trust, the Connecting Communities Collective is working towards the community buyout of the shop building at 113 George St., Oban. This will ensure the security of the shop for the future, along with keeping income within the local economy. Our plans for the sustainability and development of the Re_Store building and the programme of activities are based on the principles of Community Wealth Building.
Why this project is needed:
We have proven that our project is needed by running successfully and smashing projections for sales and uptake in our first year of operation. Feedback from participants and beneficiaries has been incredibly positive and we have evidence via feedback and evaluations that we are having a positive impact on the local community.
Please see the attached document for the full Project Proposal (due to issues with formatting, this wasn't possible to upload)
"On your Bike", Tayinloan Youth Club
2025-04-29 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
1. First and foremost, we want to keep our children safe while they enjoy being outdoors. The A83 runs the entire length of West Kintyre and as all the villages are spurs from this extremely fast and dangerous road, there is just nowhere safe for children to ride their bikes. To address this, we wish to install a pump track at Tayinloan
2. We feel it is needed because the main A83 is getting busier, and is one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland. Children and adults of all ages are now taking up more and more physical exercise and cycling has become very popular indeed. We wish to offer a safe enclosed area where they can learn and ride in safety.
3. The project could bring many positive benefits. Pump track riding not only provides a physical workout, but also promotes good mental well-being. It’s not just about the physical challenge – although that’s definitely a big part of the appeal. Spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature, has a way of melting away stress and lifting spirits. Pump track riding can actually help sharpen the mind and improve cognitive function. It is a way to encourage youngsters to leave their screens for a while and enjoy outdoor activities and social interaction.
These are just some of the positive changes for those participating in the sport. However there are many others, such as helping with social isolation which has become a big problem in these post Covid times.
At the pump track, generations come together, no matter their age! From little ones with their parents or grandparents to teenagers and young adults, everyone can enjoy fun and friendship, making it a true community hub. The little ones learn how to ride and gain confidence, while the more experienced riders practice their skills. Parents can have a great time too, as they watch their children gain confidence and make friends
4. Once the planning has been approved (hopefully within 6 months of application) and the funding secured, the pump track can be installed in 6 weeks.
We will work with Velosolutions, who are world leaders in this technology.
We will also liaise with schools and youth clubs.
We will work with Argyll and Bute Councillors
Lighting Up the Shore Station - a sustainable Hub for Tiree
2025-05-27 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
1 We would like to refurbish Alan Stevenson House (ASH) to offer a locally inspired restaurant, bar with 6 ensuite rooms (1 disabled). We would like to upgrade the Harbour with pontoons and seating/viewpoints to take in the wonderful natural environment and encourage people to come by boat to the site in the summer months. Morton Boyd Hall (MBH) is an excellent multi purpose facility that just needs some upgrading and could complment any activities going on at the site. The site at Hynish, with its heritage and special quality of place, has the opportunity to develop its local hospitality and develop something of a Hub for the southern end of the island. Capturing tourism and events spend, alongside island/day visitor spend would provide a revenue stream.
2 The Skerryvore Shore Station was transferred to the Tiree community in January 25. The transition has taken 3 years. There are 3 income streams - Housing, Heritage and Business - that will ensure it is a sustainable community organisation going forward. We have been reviewing the use of our 20+ A listed buildings to ensure they are fit for purpose and revenue earning where possible. ASH was first rebuilt in 1990 as a hostel type accomodation for groups with special needs. it was only used for a few weeks in the summer months and was always a overhead for the charity. MBH had been used to house the exhibition/museum but originally had been rebuilt as a multi purpose hall. The harbour stands strong against the incredible tides and weather. It is a viewpoint for sealife and birds. The community when asked what they would like to see at the site in our survey and subsequent community events were clear that Business should be a priority. 84% said that they wanted a restaurant/cafe, quality accomodation and event space all year round. They also wanted the Harbour preserved. So our community mandate was clear. We have piloted the restaurant and rooms over the past 2 years and now believe that it could definately work if we had a good standard of accomodation to offer and a multi purpose space for events. We have moved the exhbition to another building to free up Morton Boyd Hall so that we have a this multi purpose facility. We will then be able to work with community groups to put on a variety of events and functions during the year. We will also be able to provide permanent employment for locals.
3 We can already see from our pilot that our community is very positive about the fact we have a local family working at ASH and have created year round employment for locals. We have trialled a number of community events over last winter and they proved to be very popular. The Tiree people just love the shore station and feel a strong sense of guardianship. The pilot has also showed us that we could have a reasonable income stream from this. We now have some facts and figures to base our projections on which gives us confidence this is the right way forward. All the buildings at Hynish need to work and complement each other to ensure the "place" is kept in alignment. The pilot has demonstrated that the restaurant/rooms/bar and events do contribute greatly to this. The project would enhance the employment opportunities; keep a family with 3 children living on Tiree as they have jobs; provide the much needed income stream to ensure sustainability; reduce running costs; make the buildings all more energy efficient and in line with our aim to lower the carbon footprint and provice a place for people and business to floutish.
4 The project will start early in 2026 and be completed by November 2026.
Dunoon Skatepark Redevelopment
2025-05-30 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
Dunoon Community Development Trust wants to work with children and young people to design and develop a new skatepark facility in Dunoon that will better meet their needs and encourage increased outdoor activity and community connection.
Dunoon Skatepark is sited in Ardenslate, one of two areas in the town within the highest decile of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. The original skatepark was campaigned for and developed by local young almost 20 years ago and its creation was a major achievement for those involved. It was well used for several years, however, the original steel structures and rough surfacing are no longer fit for purpose and levels of use have seriously declined. Some elements of the facility present a significant hazard, especially for learners, so there are very few younger users or family involvement. Local young people and young adults have been actively involved in campaigning for improvements to the skatepark gathering hundreds of signatures on their petition on Change.org Recent engagement with school pupils has confirmed their interest in improved facilities for skating and wheeling on the site.
By developing this facility to better meet the needs of skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bikers of all abilities, we will be able to support and encourage children, young people and young adults to build their skills and enjoy peer-to-peer learning experiences. More time spent outdoors engaging in interesting physical activities will help to address the health and wellbeing challenges faced by young people and young adults and help to reduce social isolation.
This project will run for between 12 and 18 months including consultation, design, planning, permissions and construction.
The skatepark is situated on land owned by Argyll & Bute Council so it will be vital to work in partnership with them. Consultation will also involve local schools, Dunoon Community Council and Live Argyll youth work team.
Redevelopment of Tayvallich Community Hall
2025-05-28 • No comments • • Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
What we want to do -
Phase 1 involves replacing the hall disabled access and the provision of a generator to enhance community resilience.
Phase 2 re-configuring the toilet block and the provision of hot water in the ladies toilets.
Phase 3 - installing a decking, and two patio doors to enhance provision for events. Also creation of more storage.
Why our project is needed.
The hall is used by the local primary school for provision of sports facilities and other activities. The Parent Council arranges parties and other communal events - such as an annual car wash and wreath-making at Christmas. The hall provides many family events, shows, films and talks - to keep the local community informed and entertained. A seperate gym club runs on a wednesday. The multi-sport court provides for sporting activities such as hockey and tennis, and the playing field is used for football and field sports.
Many tourists use the hall's facilities especially for events such as "Gala day", and tourism is an important industry in Scotland. The hall was instrumental in the creation of Tayvallich Initiative which aims to provide low-cost housing in the village for essential workers and implements "rural burdens" which help ensure community survival longer-term. The annual Kayak Symposium run by local firm "Argyll Kayaks", brings dozens to the village for a weekend, centered around the hall, which benefits the whole community including the community shop and the Inn.
"Resilience Planning" is a recent aim of the Community Hall. A few months back there was a power outage for 4 days - many were caught out by it. Apart from losing heating and cooking, many have private water supplies (pumped) and so had no water either. The hall did its best as a "resilience hub" but had no electric itself - simply brewing hot drinks on a gas stove - it could not offer shelter/heating/lighting/hot food. Resilience planning involves a back-up generator to better serve the community in such future events.
The hall provides many services to the local community. Yoga on a monday and thursday; table tennis on a monday; bowls on a thursday; "Pickle ball" on a tuesday; "stretch and tone" on a tuesday; Fencing on a wednesday; Lunch Club every month - providing for the retired members of our community. The hall also hosts First Aid classes which benefit the local community and beyond.
The hall is also a popular venue for weddings (and funerals). There are regular Coffee Mornings in aid of a range of charities - Beatson cancer charity; the Lochgilphead Snowdrop Centre; and the Taynish run in aid of McMillan cancer care. The annual flower show is also a popular event. In addition, the hall hosts events such as Films and Talks - often being full to capacity. Friday and saturday evenings often see the hall host Bands and Ceilidhs which attract visitors from further afield. It encourages and supports local artists and musicians.
The project will bring about many positive changes.
It is essential that the hall can continue to act as a community hub. Phase 1 - the generator - will ensure it can run as a resilience hub too. Phase 1 also includes better disabled access which is essential. Provision of better toilet facilities is also essential (Phase 2), given the hall's popularity. Phase 3 will increase the capacity of the hall - even more community activities will be encouraged and supported.
The hall is a vital community resource and needs to be supported and protected. The success of the community hall helps kindle social cohesion - it is a vital part of village life.
The project will start in July 2025 and take 6 months to complete.