What we want to do - Lorn and Oban Reuse Initiative (LORI) is our long-standing furniture reuse project based in Oban, serving communities for over 15 years. The project, which aims to achieve a Zero Waste society, diverts furniture, household goods and electricals etc. into reuse and before [these] unwanted items enter the waste hierarchy. In the last 12 months, LORI has supported over 11500 customers including businesses, individuals and families. Those in poverty and personal crisis, those displaced by war in Ukraine and communities challenged by the ongoing cost of living crisis. “Such a fantastic way to reduce wasting perfectly good products. Furniture is top quality and the staff I met were friendly, welcoming and incredibly helpful.” CustomerThis is an exciting period for our charity, as we are planning a major expansion of our work to enable us to better support the growing number of people who come to us for help. Our plans are well advanced including planning consent and building warrant for the proposed improvements and renewals to increase available floor space to meet the growing demand for reuse goods. GRAB has set aside reserves to contribute to the cost of these improvements.Under this grant we propose to move forward rapidly with the project. Available match funding already secured will support project management and admin resources and back LORI during any disruption to trade while improvements take place. Under this grant, captal funds will be deployed to prepare groundworks and the foundations to accommodate new modular buildings, the purchase of new buildings to replace derelict and delapidated units and much-needed welfare facilities. And extensive refurbishment to an existing building.    Why the project is needed - In Argyll and Bute, landfill accounts for around half of the Council’s annual production of Carbon Dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2e). (Source: Argyll and Bute Council Decarbonisation Plan 2021). Positive changes will the project bring about - Planet – Tackling the climate emergency, LORI reduces landfill; 45% of greenhouse gases come from products we use and purchase. Saving valuable resources from landfill, LORI reduces the communities’ carbon footprint and cuts emissions.  In Oban and Lorn approx. 858 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste is produced each year.  Currently just over 10% or 86 tonnes is diverted through reuse by The GRAB Trust.  People – supporting local people and creating jobs, LORI supports communities to utilise existing resources, LORI has steadily increased volumes diverted from landfill each year; diverting over 450 tonnes from landfill in the last 8 years. The initiative sustains 7 jobs and 12 regular volunteers.  Pounds – Strengthening the circular economy we offer low cost, high quality furniture and homewares to everyone as a sustainable, low cost alternative to buying new.  LORI supports the Circular Economy by keeping existing resources in use for longer and our not-for-profit community enterprise now recirculates over £120,000 in our communities annually. Reducing the tax burden, LORI decreases landfill tax, saving local taxpayers over £8,000 annually. Place – engaging and empowering communities LORI is a place where ideas flourish. We support community groups and partners in the third sector. We help businesses like cafes, hotels and Air B&B furnish their premises.  We help communities to share and to learn new skills; reusing and repairing is a creative way to try new things, gain useful skills, appreciate what we already have and find new uses to make the most of it.  GRAB is part of Circular Communities Scotland Share and Repair Network and LORI is a source for tools for makers and craftsmen - keeping traditions alive.Our renewals project at LORI will ensure communities are supported for years to come - increase available floorspace by 80%, introduce welfare facilities for staff and volunteers and extend product lines – the new provision of running water at the site will open up the possibility of testing white goods (washing machines & dishwashers) for example. With increased floorspace LORI will better serve the growing demand for reuse, further reduce landfill and offer increased support to the circular economy in Oban and Lorn.   

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.

Clachan lost its much loved and well used village hall due to terminal decline as an asbestos concrete roofed building with corroded portal flames and was demolished in 2022. The iconic historic B Lited Kilcalmonell church was purchased with a Scottish Land Fund grant to serve as a replacement village hall to arise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes of the old hall. The hub will allow resumption of the dormant user group activities and will provide a recreational, educational venue for the comunity as well as a resource for private hire. It will also serve as an emergency centre to provide safe haven and meal provision at times of emergency such as has occured on many occasions over the past 10 years particualrly in relation to power cuts, village floods, a freak snow storm, and gales, some of which also resulted in blocking the A83 artery to Campbeltown. We are in the process of renovating the exisitng church building to provide the main comunal space and this work shold be completed by the end of the year.  This is being funded in part by are own fund raising initiatives and by local wind farm trust grants. We then need grant funding for the extension to provides the addtional space for : a catering/kitchen area, a small meeting room, additional storage and toilet provision with disabled access for larger capacity events and activities. It is is this extension project (phase 2) that we are seeking funding from the RCGF scheme as well as other agencies such as the Windfarm Trusts, and other grant funders. We are looking for this construction work to be done 2026-2027.

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

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. 

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.

1  We need to repoint the external stonework and do work on the chimneys and roof of the 4 lighthouse cottages.  No maintenance work has been done for many years and there has been major issues with damp and water damage in these 4 properties.  There is a critical housing shortage on Tiree and in particular affordable housing.  We have now 2 of the cottages on long term lease to locals and would like to make the other 2 habitable for long term lease.  We would also like to use this opportunity to encourage young people on Tiree to consider construction and in particular stonemasonry as a possible career.  The team we would use, have experience of running training programmes for school pupils to come and work on the site and learn some of the basic skills of maintainting heritage buildings.  This added value to the project would bring a very useful experience to our local children who are disadvantaged at present from these type of careers activities.  We would also offer to design a long term training programme for a local person so that we could have local skills to maintain the A listed heritage buildings on our site.

2  We funded work late last year on two of the chimneys by a stonemason specialising in these kind of listed buildings.  He has advised that all the external walls, chimneys and roof require work done to preserve these wonderful buildings. The work he did was enough to sort the immediate issues of dampness coming from the chimneys.  There is still some damp coming through the walls/windows.  Also the other chimneys that we did not repair mean that two of the cottages are not fit for long term lease at the moment.  Funding has been recieved by Argyll and Bute Council to allow us to the internal upgrading but we require major funding for all the external works so that we an offer 4 good quality upgraded affordable homes for locals.  One of the issues has been lack of maintenance of all the A listed buildings on our site.  There has been some repair work done but it has exaccerbated the problems due to lack of knowledge.  These buildilng require specialist skills.  If we can train up someone locally to do the basic ongoing maintenance through this project this would be of huge long term benefit to the Hynish Trust.  

3  When we advertised the last cottage for lease we got 5 applicants.  They were all local people wanting to come to live at Hynish.  Our vision is to create a clachan type village at the Skerrryvore Shore Station in Hynish for people to live, play, learn and enjoy.  The demand is there amongst the community for long term affordable housing and this is a relatively quick win to maintain the two leases we have and create another two.  But more importantly to ensure the buildings are presrved for the long term future.  So the refurbishment of the externals of these buildings would be transformational for the Hynish Trust.  It would ensure that these buildings will be fit for purpose for the future.  It also addresses the critical housing situation.  Providing an opportunity for local children to experience somehting different as a possible career opportunity would be welcomed by the school and the community.  If we can also get a local person trained up to be able to maintain all our buildings externally this would be a long term benefit to the community and create much needed local employment.

4  The project would start in March 26 and run to September 26.

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