Nineteen community projects across Argyll and Bute have secured a share of £504,000 to turn local ideas into practical projects and lay the groundwork for future investment.
The funding comes through the Scottish Government’s Community Led Local Development Fund and will support organisations working across communities including Islay, Mull, Iona, Coll, Tiree, Ulva, Bute and Tarbert.
Projects range from antenatal and postnatal support and services for carers to agricultural management, marine conservation, outdoor learning and community facilities.
Several awards will fund the less visible early stages of ambitious community projects, including feasibility studies, planning and design work needed before larger developments can move ahead.
On Ulva, North West Mull Community Woodland Company has been awarded £35,000 for the next phase of work to revive the community owned church.
Development Coll will receive almost £26,000 towards improvements at An Cridhe Community Centre and a feasibility and design study examining plans for a bunkhouse.
The organisation has also secured almost £8,300 for an Isle of Coll community transport feasibility study.
Tarbert Harbour Authority has been awarded just over £24,000 for consultancy work exploring the redevelopment of a derelict boatyard, while Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust will receive £40,480 for the first phase of its INSPIRE project.
South Islay Development has secured almost £20,000 for Sonas Childcare, while Home Start Lorn will receive just over £24,000 for an antenatal and postnatal support programme.
Bendoran Watersports has been awarded more than £16,800 to support wellbeing and watersports in south west Mull and Iona.
Animal Care Tiree will receive almost £27,000 for work examining worm drench resistance in sheep on Coll and Tiree, while the Marine Conservation Society has secured almost £29,750 for a project exploring community solutions to the oyster supply crisis.
Other successful organisations include Dochas Carers Centre, Deafblind Scotland, Helensburgh and Lomond Carers, An Tobar and Mull Theatre and the Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust.
Councillor Jim Lynch said:
“It’s great to see nineteen community groups benefit from this year’s Community Led Local Development Fund.
“By supporting communities to identify and address their own priorities, the fund helps develop skills, unlock new ideas and bring people together.
“These projects will make a real difference locally and contribute to building stronger, more sustainable and resilient communities across Argyll and Bute.
“I’m pleased to see such a diverse range of initiatives supported and wish each project every success.”
Argyll and the Islands Local Action Group oversees delivery of the fund, with Argyll and Bute Council acting as the accountable body responsible for administering it.
Local Action Group Chair Alicja Newbrook said the awards recognise the importance of the early work required before communities can turn an idea into something ready for significant investment.
She said:
“It may not always be the most visible part of a project, but this groundwork is often what gives communities the confidence, evidence and momentum to attract further investment and make lasting change happen.”
For communities scattered across mainland Argyll and its islands, many of the awards may represent the first relatively small step towards considerably bigger projects in the years ahead.
If you or your organisation would be interested in joining the LAG to shape funding in future, contact CLLD@argyll-bute.gov.uk
