Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers have moved a step closer to securing the permanent home they have dreamed of for years after members of Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee approved £50,000 of Community Regeneration Funding at their latest meeting in Portree.
The award supports the Young Carers New Build Design Stage 4 project and is dependent on a £70,000 application currently with the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme 2025/26.
If both bids are successful, the group will be able to complete the detailed building warrant drawings and tender documentation needed before construction can begin on a purpose built home in Portree.
Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, said:
“I am delighted to see this funding approved for the Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, a vital service which works closely with local schools and families and provides essential additional support to young people who in many cases may have substantial caring duties.
“Since it was established in 2000 the SLYC has assisted dozens of young carers and their families.
“Many of them might otherwise have been shouldering enormous levels of responsibility unknown and in silence.
“These young people who provide a caring role at home are a resilient and incredible group.
“They have had a long held ambition to establish a permanent home for the group in Portree, and these funds will help them towards realising their goal of a new, safe, accessible and fun space to call their own.
“The Council working with local members has previously supported the group with Community Regeneration Funding and I am delighted that this latest financial support is contributing to the work of this vital service in Skye and Lochalsh.”
The total value of the design stage work is £129,735, with a further £9,735 currently being sought from Skye Renewables.
An earlier award of £37,548 was granted in April 2024 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support previous phases of the design process.
Members also noted four Ward 10 discretionary awards made since the last meeting, supporting a range of local organisations including CFINE Fairshare in Highland, Rag Tag Textiles, Seall Festival of Small Halls and Kyleakin Local History Society.
The Community Regeneration Fund brings together the Highland Coastal Communities Fund and the Place Based Investment Programme to support economic regeneration and sustainable development across the region, with local members deciding which projects receive support.
The continued investment in the Young Carers project marks a significant milestone for a service that has provided a lifeline for young people navigating caring responsibilities, often in challenging circumstances, and strengthens hopes of delivering a permanent base where they can meet, relax and thrive.
