Nine Scottish communities are celebrating a major funding boost as Crown Estate Scotland awards nearly £300,000 to regeneration projects.
The latest round of Community Capacity Grants focuses on transforming forgotten buildings and spaces into thriving local assets.
From historic lidos to remote lighthouses, the projects are as diverse as the communities they serve.
In Aberdeenshire, Friends of Tarlair will receive £43,900 to support the final phase of restoring the Art Deco coastal lido at Macduff.
The funding will help bring the once-bustling swimming pool back to life after decades of closure.
In Orkney, £20,000 has been awarded to North Ronaldsay Trust to convert a lighthouse engine room into a community space complete with café, gift shop, and visitor centre.
Resonate: Creating Communities in Kirkcudbright has secured £31,000 to turn a former police station into a mental health support centre for autistic young people.
Founder Catherine Phillips says the support is vital and gives the project both practical help and confidence to grow.
In Highland, the Torridon District Community Association will use £20,000 to explore creating a new campsite that will boost economic development in the area.
Also in Highland, the Coigach Community Development Company has been granted £42,500 to progress architectural work on a scheme for ten affordable homes.
The Scalpay Community Association in Eilean Siar has received £38,500 to redevelop a heritage centre that will run on renewable energy and enhance local tourism.
In Argyll and Bute, Arrochar & Tarbert Community Development Trust has been granted £48,500 to deliver much-needed public toilets at a busy tourist spot.
Meanwhile, the Tiree Community Development Trust receives £23,000 for a feasibility study into redeveloping the island harbour and creating a community storage facility.
In North Ayrshire, Cumbrae Community Development Company has been awarded £29,500 to develop a business plan for a community-led bid to run Millport Marina.
The grants come from Crown Estate Scotland’s Sustainable Communities Fund, which has distributed over £1.7 million since its 2020 launch.
The programme, delivered in partnership with Foundation Scotland, backs early-stage ideas that may struggle to secure traditional funding.
Chair of Friends of Tarlair, Pat Wain, says the restoration is reaching its most exciting stage, as the focus now turns to reviving the main pool.
Penny Coles from Crown Estate Scotland says this fifth round of funding backs ambitious projects that will make lasting differences to local life.
Every project supported reflects a strong sense of place and a determination to create spaces that serve local people and attract new visitors.
This funding marks a major step forward for grassroots organisations determined to reshape their communities for the better.
