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.

1 What do we want to do?

Tobermory Fisherman's Pier Association intends to renovate and improve Thomas Telford's hisoric pier for the use of fishermen and other commercial users.  We would like to preserve the pier as a place that can be used and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.  We want to open the pier to other commercial users and provide a solution to the risk of flooding caused by increasingly higher tides.  A structural engineers report has been commissioned and has provided a plan for remedial works.

2 Why is the project needed?

While the pier is a vital economic resource for the fishermen of North Mull, it is also an essential and integral part of Tobermory's built heritage.  Without the pier the fishermen would need to look for alternative space to store and repair gear.  They would have to use moorings or pontoons and they would have to use alternative means to land their catch.  All of these alternatives are costly, inconvenient and not as safe as the platform provided by the pier.

We have the support of the community and are backed by Mull Community Council, Tobermory Harbour Association and Mull and Iona Community Trust.

3  What positive changes will our project bring about?

The proposed improvements to the pier will provide a fit for purpose structure that will enable the fishing community, and other commercial users, to have confidence in the long-term viability of their businesses and provide the oppurtunity to support new entrants to the sector.  Securing the long-term future of the pier will enable it to remain at the heart of the community for centuries to come, bringing economic benefit to the town as a platform for the fishermen and also as part of what draws visitors to Tobermory.  It will continue to be a much loved hub for community celebrations and a valued civic space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

4  How long will our project run for?

The project will start in March 2026 and run for seven months.

Please refer to the attached PDF file for our more comprehensive proposal.

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

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

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.

Our primary aim is to build a safe social/recreational workshop and creative workspace for retired men & women to undertake creative projects for the village and local district. This should assist in improving the appearance of Strachur and surrounding area for the benefit of the local community and visitors e.g. by reconstituting picnic areas that have fallen into disrepair, also by maintaining benches; fences etc. such as those in our community Heron Park and installing sculpture/art works where agreed as appropriate. Similar maintenance and creative projects would be made available to the district  with the involvement of people domiciled within a 10 mile radius. Existing craft and trade skills that 'Shed' members possess would be used to do this, hopefully enabling members to learn new skills as well. Other local organizations  would also benefit e.g. the local Youth/Drama Group where members could assist in the manufacture of costumes and scenery for the regular annual productions at reduced cost.

Like many small rural villages Strachur has an increasing population of retirees. We hope that involvement in local projects - through teamwork - would help in reducing feelings of isolation for the 'older' members of our community by providing mental and physical stimulation, thus showing the 'younger' members of our community that we still have something to contribute to village life whilst improving recreational facilities for all. This approach should enable the facility to be sustained for many years as people become aware of the projects we are involved in. The provision of workshop facilities should also benefit the village Memorial Hall by providing support for maintenance and supplementing the facilities available in the centre of the village. To this end we want to work with the local Development Corporation; the Village Hall Committee and the Organisations that use the limited facilities available at present.

The Project:  We want to develop the final piece of community owned land available at Nonhebel Light Industrial Park, Tobermory to build up to two additional business units.   The new units will be for rent to businesses which are on a waiting list for space at the site.  Project Background & Need:  In response to community identified need for small business premises, community led rengeration charity, Mull and Iona Community Trust developed and now manages 38 business units plus fenced compounds, supporting 24 local businesses and an estimated 61 jobs.  There is a waiting list for the units still, proving market failure and the need to develop the final piece of land on the site to further support local businesses and economic regeneration in North Mull.     Project Outcomes: Positive Changes:  New business units supporting a minimum 2 businesses and up to another 8 local jobs.  Improving access to services, tackling rural poverty and population decline by supporting business expansion, start-up and employment; improving family incomes and making the island a more vibrant and sustainable place to live and work.  Project Timescales: Subject to securing funding, work to start in late 2025 and complete in Spring 2026. Highland and Island Enterprise are a project partner with a funding offer in the region of £200k.

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

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.  

Inveraray Pier has been in a cycle of neglectful private ownership for over 20 years, and closed to the community, visitors and marine traffic for 10 years. In July 2023 Inspire Inveraray secured funding to purchase the pier on behalf of the community and has since successfully restored and opened the stone part of the pier to the public, however the timber pier remains closed and is in desperate need of restoration. 

The objective of the project is the restoration and opening of the existing timber peir. The heritage of the timber pier is at the heart of the community, and was identified as a priority in a recent community consultation. The timber pier is in extremely poor condition and ,without restoration, the risk of loss of a valuable local asset is inevitable.

Restoration works will commence as soon as funding has been achieved, ideally starting in October 2025.

The community ownership of the pier has given a sense of pride and achievement to local people who are now keen to help and get involved to get the timber part of the pier restored. This is the opportunity for the local community to manage a valuable local asset and to complete the full restoration of the pier including the timber part. Reopening the pier has connected local communities and is building confidence in the achievability and benefits of community asset ownership.

The pier is the gateway to Inveraray and for the past 10 years had been an eye sore in the town. Restoring the timber part of the pier will help increase the number of visitors to the town by boat, creating an opportunity to generate an income that can be reinvested into community projects.

The pier will be a flat and open accessible space encouraging activities such as water sports, community events and gatherings amongst the local community. Fully restoring the timber part will allow more vessels to moor in Inveraray, serving as a safe transfer platform for cargo and passengers.

Once fully restored, Heritage boards will be commissioned for placement on the pier to provide historical background for local people and visitors visiting Inveraray and its treasured pier.