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

The new sports facility will be suitable for all weather conditions and will enable the playing of various sports on the same surface, including five-a-side football, netball, basketball, and shinty practice.

The Jura Community Development Plan, produced by the Jura Development Trust, highlights the necessity for improved youth and recreational facilities on the Island and concludes that further investigation is required regarding the preferred nature of these facilities.

Developing community-owned and managed assets is strongly supported by national and local policy.

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:

1. Installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage: significanty reducing carbon emissions, lowering long-term operating costs and contributing to Net Zero targets. 160k
2. 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
3. Creation of accessible changing facility: reconfiguring existing internal space, to provide a dignified, fully inclusive changing area to support disabled users 50k
4. 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
5. 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

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:

• Enhance Health and Well-being: Provide facilities that encourage physical activity across all age groups.

• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure accessible design for individuals with disabilities.

• Support Youth Development: Offer programs and spaces dedicated to youth engagement.

• Boost Local Economy: Attract events and visitors, supporting local businesses.

• 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:

• Phase 1 (2025–mid 2026): Construction of the clubhouse, installation of floodlights, and development of the main pitch.

• Phase 2 (mid–late 2026): Addition of a running track and 4G area.

• Phase 3–4 (2027): Redevelopment of the bottom pitch and support of potential construction of the skate park.

• Phases 5–8 (2028–2032): Expansion to include additional facilities and infrastructure improvements.

Partnerships:

We plan to collaborate with:

• Local Sports Clubs: Oban Lorne RFC, Oban Saints FC, Oban Camanachd, and others.

• Educational Institutions: Local schools and youth organisations, including the school hostel. 

• Community Groups: Oban Community Skate Park Committee and cultural organisations.

• Local Businesses & Charities: Atlantis Leisure, Adventure Oban, Happy Wee Health Club.

• Local Authorities: Argyll and Bute Council for planning and support.

• National Event Organisers

These partnerships will ensure the hub meets the diverse needs of the community and operates sustainably.

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)