At the start of June last month, the Research and Insights Team joined our Development Officer for Argyll and Bute, Laura, on a visit to Tiree Community Development Trust. Also known as Urras Thiriodh in Gaelic, Tiree Community Development Trust plays a vital role for its island community, catering its services towards the island’s tailored priorities.

As the team arrived from the mainland, the Trust’s wind turbine, Tilley, was visible from the ferry, working hard on a windy Hebridean day. Renewable energy has been TCDT’s key source of income since 2010 and has made an immense difference to the scale and scope of what the organisation have been able to achieve.

From the revenue made from Tilley, TCDT has had the resources to be ambitious in their projects and the services they provide. Redeveloping the main harbours in Milton and Scarinish have been some of the biggest successes of the Trust to date. Whilst both harbours cost a pound each to buy, the Trust received capital funding from the National Lottery, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government to complete these projects. The fishing industry on Tiree is one of the most sustainable sources of income for residents and with the renovations complete, the island now has a stable fleet of seven fishing boats in use. Other key projects have included the Cruas Project, a cost-of-living support service for islanders, the purchase of an electric minivan and the construction of a fuel station to name a few.

The team were treated to a tour of the North side of island by Hayley, the island ranger employed by the Trust. Along the way to the ancient ruin of Vaul Broch, the ranger detailed some of their main responsibilities: with large number of visitors coming to the island, Hayley provides information to visitors, offers guided walks and tours and caters activities for visitors with access needs. With oystercatchers, lapwings and starlings flying overhead, Hayley stressed the importance of raising awareness of Tiree’s machair, the fertile but sensitive grass plains which cover the island. She often gives advice to campervans and motorhomes about suitable campsites which will help conserve the island’s environment.

Looking forward, Urras Thiriodh are soon to open business units, partly funded by HIE, which will give in new services for the island community which can only be accessed on the mainland, bringing in new commerce to the island.

The Trust is also looking into solutions to the community’s pressing issues. After consultation with residents, the Development Trust identified the urgent need to improve the island’s housing crisis with a staggering 46% of houses on Tiree not being regularly used. Whilst opportunity does exist on the island, the lack of a variety of accommodation sizes means those wishing to move to the island and rent or buy are faced with a lack of affordable options. Urras Thiriodh are looking into different solutions into this key priority for the community as part of their Community Development Plan.

The visit to Tiree Community Development Trust was an inspiring account of island life and the joys and challenges that come with working for in the interest of the community.

I joined DTAS in March in the role of Events and Facilities Coordinator. As part of my role, I will be working within DTAS’ Central Support Services to provide broad-ranging cross-team support, with a specific focus on helping the Development Officers to deliver a programme of regional events across Scotland and provide much needed support in the production of the ever-growing DTAS conference.

With family based across Scotland and many happy summers spent in the Highlands, I decided to move to Scotland in January. I was thrilled to get a job working for an organisation that has the empowerment and sustainable development of Scottish communities at its heart. So, when I was given the opportunity to go to the South Lanarkshire regional gathering in April and visit my first Development Trust, I was intrigued to see how all the elements of community-driven development played out on the ground.

The South Lanarkshire regional gathering was hosted by Woolfords, Auchengray & Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WAT IF) at Loanhead Farm, recently purchased by the organisation following an award from the Scottish Land Fund. We were joined by five other Development Trusts and aspiring Development Trusts from the area and spent the beautiful spring morning learning and exploring the endless community projects WATIF have planned for the site, many of which were up and running already only six weeks after the official opening of the farm.

When looking round the farm, I was struck by the endless opportunities for different community projects when given the right facilities. Loanhead farm is adorned with many outdoor and indoor spaces, and the mind wanders with possibilities – a café, workshop spaces, shared tool sheds, meeting spaces, wedding venue, community cinema room, camping, allotments and even housing – many of which WAT IF were exploring already.

With the café filled to the brim with members of the community enjoying their Saturday lunch with friends and family, and the staff bumbling about with huge smiles on their faces discussing opening the ‘overflow lunch space’ to fit more people in, you look on in awe of what the community has been able to achieve. And even the small things hadn’t gone amiss. With non-binary toilets, all with a variety of sanitary products available – something that is still few and far between in many public spaces – I was struck by how simple, joined-up community-minded thinking had created such a successful and inclusive all-purpose community space.

After piling our plates high with delicious food cooked by the community café and enjoying a lunch in the sun, the afternoon was filled with hearty discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by Development Trusts in South Lanarkshire. It was clear how much drive, energy and ambition was shared among attendees – at times it even felt like a revolution was starting in the barn.

The day provided a great insight into the world of Development Trusts and the ups and downs that come with it. It was inspiring to learn from the innovative strategies in place at Loanhead farm and to meet other members doing equally as great work for their communities. Thanks to everyone at WAT IF for helping facilitate such a great regional gathering.