1. What we want to achieve.

The Cairnbaan Community Trust, (SC052905) wants to refurbish the forestry buildings to provide a community gathering point and flexible workshop and event spaces. We want a community hub that can be used by the community for education such as crafts and Gaelic, health e.g. yoga and other activities, recreation and social gatherings, inside and outside and temporary office space for local entrepreneurs.

Our priority is the smaller of the two buildings which will provide space for community events and workshops, social meeting space, hot desks and a community kitchen. There is external space that can be developed to provide a community garden and outside event space.  It is hoped in the future the larger of the two buildings can be developed to provide space for larger workshops and events.

We have divided the work into phases and we are currently seeking funding for phases 1 and 2. 

Phase 0: This covers the procurement of the forestry buildings under a community asset transfer funded by the Scottish Land Fund and we have secured initial funding for essential repairs to both buildings to make them safe and weatherproof.  The work will start when we take ownership on the 01/08/2025.

Phase 1: Is the refurbishment of the smaller building.  This phase will change the internal layout of the building to create flexible spaces.  This entails new partitions, doors, lighting and upgrade to the heating.  Additional facilities, external and internal, will be needed for disabled and users with special needs.  We also aim to fit a community kitchen and social space for coffee mornings.   Finally we need to replace windows and install new furnishings and fittings.

Phase 2: Is the landscaping and provision of a community garden and outdoor space.   

Phase 3: Is the refurbishment and fitting out of the larger building.  In this phase we also plan to look at energy efficiency improvements, e.g. heat pumps and solar panels.

2. Why our project is needed

Currently there is no community centre to provide a focal point or resources for the community.   There is a risk of social isolation amongst our older population and there are no facilities for the young people in our village.  Community cohesion is being eroded.

We commissioned a feasibility report through Community Enterprise which highlighted the following points. Accessing facilities is difficult without a car, the minimal bus service is a school service with no evening or Sunday services.  There are no shops, medical or other services in the village.  Despite scoring highly in other domains the area falls into the 10% most deprived areas in Scotland in terms of access to services in relation to the Scottish indices of multiple deprivation. Feedback from local people highlighted that a primary need in the community is an indoor social area and meeting space.

3. The positive changes our project will bring

Our vision is to reduce isolation, improve community life and reflect the cultural, environment and historic heritage of the area. The current priorities for the CCT are.

• Bringing the community together to enable opportunities for social interaction and growth.
• Advancement of arts, heritage, culture and science.
• The provision and organization of recreational facilities to improve the quality of life for the community.
• Improving the environment including education about the environment, culture and history.
• The relief of thos in need either because of age, ill health, disability or financial hardship.

The refurbishment of the buidings will provide a focal point for the community and the resources to bring the community together especially those that feel isolated. It will provide resources for all ages across the community and give everyone opportunities for development and a sense of purpose and indentity.

Through current engagement with the local community we have already identified skills and volunteers that can contribute to the refurbishment which will foster community involvement from the outset

4. How long will our project run

Phase 1 and 2 of the project will start on: 05/01/2026

The project will run for: 15 months

Our Business plan and the Feasibility report are available on request.  Unfortunately the file size was too big to attach.

What do we want to do?

This project seeks to transform an existing community space at the Tiree Rural Centre – previously used as a café – into a community-owned vet practice serving the islands of Coll and Tiree. The Rural Centre hosts the island’s cattle and sheep market along with an exhibition showing all aspects of crofting and wildlife on Tiree. It plays a leading role in preserving Tiree’s rich crofting heritage and, together with its central location on the island, is well-placed to host a community vet practice. This represents a significant investment and regeneration project for both Tiree and Coll, and would contribute positively to local economies, which revolve around crofting.

This project is led by a consortium of island stakeholders which includes Tiree Rural Development (which manage the Rural Centre), Tiree Community Development Trust, various crofters and community representatives, and the current vet. This steering group provides strategic oversight and represents a community-led approach focused on safeguarding a key island service and a shared belief that something must be done before it is too late.

To that end, the Tiree Community Development Trust commissioned a feasibility study to investigate renovating the available, currently vacant space at the Rural Centre into a vet practice. With a full design and accurate costs now in place, the consortium are now in a position to commence a build phase of the project, and are actively seeking funding to make this important project a reality.

Why is our project needed?

A vet is absolutely critical to both Tiree and Coll. Without an island vet, crofting largely becomes untenable, as crofters need access to veterinary services to keep animals and ensure their welfare. Crucially, Tiree’s culture, history, economy, and its unique machair landscape are all strongly linked to crofting. In addition to running their crofts, crofters often hold multiple jobs and community roles, and are essential to island life. 

As crofting is the island’s primary industry, the loss of a vet would have dire consequences for the local economy. This would likely lead to emigration and a decline in the numbers of families living on the island. Even a few families leaving would have a significant impact on services, and could spark the further closure of lifeline services such as the school, GP surgery, and local businesses – a gradual process often seen in other small Scottish islands once the population falls below a critical point. Once these key services are lost, we know from experience and research that they rarely return. This is due to the high cost of running services on islands, the challenges of setting up, and the dwindling economic returns and economies of scale. Remote islands are places where market failure is the norm, not the exception. The group recognises that the vet practice is one such service that the island cannot afford to lose. 

Moreover, many residents keep small animals and pets; the operational and cost implications of relying on a mainland vet service for Tiree and Coll residents are significant, in some instances prohibitive. The vet also plays a central role in protecting the island’s unique wildlife and marine life, regularly attending call-outs to help stranded dolphins and seals, for example.

With our current vet looking to retire in the near future, we are keen to minimise barriers that an incoming vet faces. In the past, it has been difficult to recruit and retain vet capacity, and recent shortages in the sector, combined with a low financial return of investing in an island-based vet practice, have made this challenge more acute. Additionally, the current vet operates out of a small and temporary space which is unlikely to meet future RCVS standards and does not fully meet the dynamic needs of an island vet. A high-quality, affordable, and long-term practice ensures that the prospect of moving to Tiree to take over the practice becomes much more attractive and financially viable.

What positive changes will our project bring about?

This project provides key benefits to crofters and the wider community on both Tiree and Coll:

• A bespoke, compliant, and modern vet practice will make it easier to attract an incoming vet to the island, and retain them once they have arrived.
• It improves the standard of care and contributes positively to animal welfare, as well as providing a better space for a vet to operate out of.
• Securing an appropriate practice space for Tiree and Coll safeguards the entire crofting sector, the island’s primary industry.
• Security of tenure for the vet, as well as a stable rental income for a community group dedicated to improving conditions for crofters and wildlife on Tiree.
• Making better use of existing assets, and optimising design to factor in environmental improvements.
• Tiree and Coll pet owners are guaranteed access to veterinary care without having to rely on mainland services, which can be difficult and expensive to access – especially during emergencies.
• The project contributes to the wider regeneration of Tiree’s existing community-owned assets, and will play a key role in Tiree Rural Centre’s future.
• A lifeline island service is maintained, contributing to the overall viability of Tiree’s small, unique, and thriving community.

How long will our project run for?

The project will start on: 01/03/2026

The project will run for : 12 months

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.  

4. 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:

1. Argyll & Bute community Council to align with local interests.

2. Schools and educational institutions to promote learning opportunities.

3. Local businesses, including bike hire providers and tourism boards, to enhance visitor engagement.

In 2021 and 2022, IKDT secured funding to construst 1.79KM of brand new road connecting the North and South of the island. This project has been in the pipeline for many decades and has connected up the two different communities and is allowing our island to thrive as one. Just after we have secured the funding for the 2nd stage of the project, the tar topping, war broke out in Ukraine. Apart from the obvious humanitarian crisis, this had an instant impact on the price of all the raw materials required for surfacing. It meant we had to scale stage 2 back and make do with tarring the new built section of the road with a single layer of tar and leave approx 500 metres of road in an unbound, farm track state. Our plan for stage 2 had been to deliver 2 layers of tar over the new road (1.79km) and the 500m of existing road when we could petition the council to adopt the road as it connects up the existing council road to several council tax paying households. As it stands, while the road is in use and is hugely beneficial to life on the island however the maintenance burden on IKDT is not ideal. The council will not consider adoption until the road is brought up to the standard we had planned for stage 2 so we are hoping to complete the job. Adoption is key to the long term future of the road and indeed to whole community as it will allow unfettered access to all including vital services, emergency vehicles and access to the lifeline ferry service. The surfacing could be delivered in one week but the effects would be felt for generations to come. We would hope to continue the excellent working relationship with A&B Roads department to help deliver the best value for money possible.

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)

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

MACPool Activity Hub is a local community hub settled within the rural area of Lochgilphead. We currently service the area of Mid Argyll, where the population is approximately 6,000 people. On an average week, we will provide services such as specialised swimming sessions, fitness classes and Learn to Swim lessons, where over 500 regular participants will attend the Activity Hub.

MACPool Activity Hub works closely with rural school with promoting Water Safety Sessions and scheduled blocks of weekly lessons to pupils. The main Learn to Swim program caters to more than 220 participants from a 25 mile radius on a weekly basis, with ages ranging from 4-75 years old.

We offer a range of programs designed to specialise in different needs such as our Toddler Time sessions to classes such as HyrdoMobility, a senior exercise class, focusing on water-based exercises to strengthen the core and increase stability.

In collaboration with RMFitness and the NHS Living Well Program, MACPool Activity Hub has been assisting with the rehabilitation within the senior community, providing a bespoke area to re-build confidence, both in and out of the water. 

We also host Additional Support Needs (ASN) and Young Carer sessions in partnership with the Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS), providing a safe space for those in the community who may not otherwise have access to such spaces. 

In accordance with our sustainability principles, MACPool Activity Hub is a part of the Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) scheme. Therefore, the Hub uses a biomass boiler that is fuelled by woodchips to produce the necessary heating for the swimming pool and hot water systems. MACPool Activity Hub is also a part of the Feed In Tariff (FIT) scheme and have over 100 solar panels, which generate renewable electricity.

During previous winters, however, the quality of the fuel source has declined, causing our boilers to malfunction. It is essential that our boilers remain fully operational to comply with regulations concerning water and air temperatures. When we do not meet these regulations, we are forced to close the pool, cancelling valuable swimming lessons, fitness classes and pre-programmed sessions, thus losing credibility and revenue.

Our vision is to expand on the foundations of what we have created so far, improving integral community bonds, while seeking other connections to become a cornerstone of the community. To sustain our efforts, we aim to secure funding for a secondary heating source and to upgrade the storage silo, to allow us to change over from woodchips to wood pellets. This will enable us to remain in the RHI scheme while continuing to develop our programs and timetable, while also fostering partnerships that align with the needs of the community. 

This project meets RCGF criteria: address vacant / derelict land as well as supporting locally developed, place-based regeneration projects that involve local communities, helping to tackle inequalities and improving the economic, social and physical environment of deprived, disadvantaged and fragile remote communities across Scotland. It is community led, and will result in strong regeneration outcomes.

The Rockfield Garden is leased and run by Oban Communities Trust, a Community Benefit Society run by and for its members and the wider community. 

We are transforming a disused, previously cultivated food production area into a vibrant and inclusive community growing space, but need funding to realise our vision. This project is rooted in a growing community movement: over the past year, more than 1,100 volunteer hours have been contributed at The Rockfield Garden. The momentum is clear—and this garden will be a living, growing symbol of community action.

The space, located behind The Rockfield Centre, was previously used to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers for the former McTavish's Kitchens, but has since lain derelict.

What will your project do? Over the last 12 months a 25+ band of volunteers have spend over 1000 hours on Phase 1, preparing the space for cultivation. We are now seeking funding for Phase 2, which will initiate food production and support both experienced and novice growers, fostering strong community involvement.

• Installing fencing and handrails to ensure safety and accessibility
• Building raised beds and flexible growing spaces for communal and individual use
• Constructing a weatherproof meeting shelter and a secure tool shed.
• Providing tools, gardening equipment, seeds, compost, and plants.
• Developing a community composting system to promote circular growing practices.
• Installing bee hives, chicken coops, and a community orchard
• Offering a varied programme of community engagement and educational growing activities, including informal social gardening drop-ins, volunteer action days, and community education.

Why is your project needed? Oban currently has no community growing provision, and local residents lack accessible opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute. As a rural town we are also heavily reliant on imported food, reducing local food resilience and creating disproportionately high food mile loadings. This project will:

• Provide the community with growing space, tools, and support to grow food locally.
• Encourage healthier lifestyles and increased social connection through shared, hands-on activity
• Respond to the pressing need for increased food resilience in the face of climate change and supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Help diversify the town’s food sources, reducing reliance on imported produce and associated transport emissions.
• Create a learning hub to build knowledge and practical skills in sustainable food growing, composting, and ecological gardening
• Offer a mix of communal and some individually managed plots, providing flexibility to suit different needs and abilities.
• Enhance community cohesion and empowerment through participation, ownership, and shared outcomes.
• Contribute to the Rockfield Centre's mission to reduce its carbon footprint and provide wholesome, healthy, affordable community meals.

What positive changes will your project bring about? The Rockfield Garden will deliver wide-ranging benefits across environmental, social, and educational areas:

• Environmental Impact: With an estimated growing area of 1,400m², there is potential to produce 2,000–3,000kg of fruit and vegetables annually. This local production could reduce food miles and cut an estimated 3–4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
• Food Resilience: In light of climate change and global food supply threats, local food production is a vital adaptation strategy. Growing food locally in Oban will contribute to community-level food security and resilience.
• Health and Wellbeing: Access to growing spaces and outdoor activities supports mental and physical wellbeing. Gardening fosters regular physical activity, better nutrition, and emotional connection to nature.
• Learning and Empowerment: Hands-on education will equip participants with valuable skills in food production, sustainability, and ecological stewardship.
• Community Cohesion: The project will bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, strengthening social bonds, reducing isolation, and building a sense of place and purpose.
• Sustainability: By incorporating composting and circular practices, such as seed saving, the garden will serve as a practical example of sustainable community living. By transforming this underused land into a thriving garden, we’re not just growing food—we’re growing community, resilience, and shared futures.

How long will your project run for? This is a long-term project that is ticking along in Phase 1, but requires substantial funding to move to Phase 2. Once funded, we anticipate c. 1 year to do the required structural works. We anticipate the total works requiring c. 70k, including staff time, but would gladly accept smaller amounts of funding which would allow us to complete the project in a modular fashion.

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.