Glenelg & Arnisdale
Community Development Plan
2012
1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Vision
4. Intended Outcomes
5. Ongoing Projects
6. Future Projects
7. Judging which projects to support
8. Project Schedules and Intended Funding
9. Risk Assessment
10. Plan Review
- Introduction
The communities of Glenelg & Arnisdale have experienced significant growth difficulties for many years and in every sense of the word are “fragile”. However, by being proactive and working together as a community to positively manage our growth, we can move towards improving diversity in opportunity for those of us who live here and those who visit our area each year.
To help us achieve this common goal, it is vital that we understand our Communities differing priorities and needs. A Community Survey, commissioned in 2011 by Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE), combined with previous community consultation work undertaken by members of the Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust (GADT), has allowed us to move forward and sensitively develop a Community Development Plan from which the outcomes address local ideas, passions and concerns; while adding value and building on existing strengths within the Community.
Objectives of Community Development Plan: to assess the main areas of potential community development in terms of employment, housing and infrastructure and creating sustainable sources of income for the benefit of the community.
Outcome: to create a vision for the community for the next 5 years with some emphasis on shorter term and longer term projects. To identify what the local community would like to achieve in relation to the key elements of a healthy community, i.e. employment, housing, infrastructure and demographics.
During June – July 2011 a Community survey of 209 households was undertaken and 79 responses were received, anencouraging response rate of 38%. The survey mainly covers the demographic trends in Glenelg & Arnisdale – overall population change, migration patterns, age profile, gender profile, primary school roll, working age population, employment by sector, economic activity, unemployment data, household income, housing stock and tenure. As well as acknowledging the need to explore and harness local Renewable Energy opportunities within the area, the survey invited other ideas from community members and the responses received have informed this 2012 Community Development Plan.
To help support local development and growth, the communities of Glenelg & Arnisdale started receiving Local Development Officer (LDO) support in July 2011 and the post will continue until December 2013. The LDO is currently employed through the Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust, who act as the “Anchor Organisation” in a post funded by HIE & Leader through a programme called Community Account Management (CAM) – part of a wider support programme for fragile communities. The LDO will work on projects for the benefit of the area, for and with the local Community Groups & businesses to support projects which encourage sustainable growth and development in the area.
Incorporated in 2004, The Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust was set up as a company limited by guarantee and is also a registered Scottish Charity. The company was formed as a response to the Glenelg & Arnisdale area being designated under Initiative at the Edge – a Scottish Executive approach to establish community-led Trusts to carry forward agreed projects that would hopefully receive sympathetic consideration for funding. The overall aim of the Trust is to develop the economic, social and cultural sustainability of our community by harnessing the quality of our resources, people and environment.
The Plan, like the community it was developed to serve, will change over its five year life as community priorities change. To maintain its relevance a process of review will be important. The Plan is but a guiding document which will be the basis for decisions about priorities and resourcing for the areas community development projects.
The involvement of many community members in the process of developing the Plan has been very important. However,the ongoing participation from members of ourCommunity into shaping our future is vital and all input to this process is welcomed.
- Background
Glenelg and Arnisdale share many of the assets and challenges of all peninsular and island communities on the west coast of Scotland and in many respects, due to its remoteness should be considered an island. It is geographically isolated, but has clear boundaries, giving, potentially, a strong sense of identity. It is small, having just over 200 permanent adult residents and around 80 residents below voting age.
Assets.
Our people.
The main asset of any community is the skill and experience of its members. Living in an isolated community requires people to be resourceful and to develop a variety of skills and competencies.
Our environment.
The area has enormous tourist potential because of its scenic beauty and wildlife; it is also attractive to tourists because of its wilderness. As a coastal community, one of the prime assets is the sea, whether it is in providing local seafood, or amenity boating and water-sports. Another is the land which has supported a diverse crofting community for centuries and continues to attract droves of walkers all year round.
Challenges
Our geography
Although this may be an advantage for tourism, it creates its own problems in accessing services not available locally, particularly for those without reliable transport. Transport infrastructure is fragile with a lack of adequate provision for boats, and the constant need for road upgrade and maintenance.
Our economy
Local people are employed in public services, are self employed or employed by local businesses. The potential for growth is likely to result from a combination of harnessing local renewable resource but also through investment in tourism: although this is seasonal and fluctuates from year to year, nevertheless, it provides significant income to the area and could provide more.
Our population
Demographically the future presents a major challenge. Firstly we must provide a secure future for our primary school roll. This has fallen by 8% from 42 in 2006 to 38 in 2011. Within the next few years several factors will influence retention of our current population; predominantly the availability of work & removal of access to local services (Front line health services, Care of the Elderly, Local transport). Whilst population retention is crucial, it is also vital that our Community attracts families into the area who can contribute to our local economy and school roll. Restraining factors will be the availability & affordability of housing and the provision of local employment. Most notably, 29% of the current population are over the age of 65. The trend will be for this to increase creating the demand for the provision of more local health and social care in the future.
Our infrastructure and services
Like much of the most remote and rural areas of Scotland, lack of infrastructure is a major barrier in realising many of the potential renewable projects. Coastal protection is a major issue in Glenelg and Arnisdale, particularly with climatic changes. Many households in Glenelg do not have Broadband access; Arnisdale & Corran are serviced with a Tegola project which facilitates wifi for the area.
Our history
Glenelg and Arnisdale has a long and interesting history and heritage, from the Pictish Brochs through the Clearances to Gavin Maxwell, from the Hanoverian Barracks to the Ferry crossing and the drove roads. Our rich history attracts a lot of tourists to the area and we have several listed buildings and monuments which would benefit from investment.
Our amenities
We are a small community but we do have an inn, a shop, two post offices, a community hall with public toilets & showering facilities, camping site, The Ceilidh House & Heritage Centre in Corran with public toilets, 1 resident GP, a health clinic, four churches, a seasonal ferry service to Skye and a bus service to Kyle and Broadford and three local seasonal cafes (Sheena’s Tea Hut, The Wagon, The Glenelg Café).
- Vision
The Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust’s vision is for sustainable demographic growth supported by good employment opportunities, good services and facilities and affordable housing.
Economic activities: We seek to support local business opportunities wherever possible focussing on the key industries identified in the area, these being Renewable energy, Leisure & Tourism.
Services and facilities: To see the existing services and facilities strengthened and improved to better serve the community. Services encompass housing for and care of the elderly.
Housing: We seek to assist in the provision of affordable housing with other partners.
Infrastructure: To see the existing services and facilities strengthened and improved to better serve the community. Infrastructure encompasses developable commercial space and improved broadband access.
- Intended Outcomes
Aim: to create a sustainable community through providing adequate employment opportunities, sustainable and affordable housing, leisure services and facilities for all ages, promoting healthy lifestyle and encouraging people to take part in various
Community activities.
Objectives: investing in revenue generating projects in order to make the Glenelg community financially sustainable in a very short period of time and generating a surplus that can be reinvested in the community for projects that the community wants and that will make the community even more prosperous thus attracting more people and businesses to the area.
- Ongoing Projects
Glenelg & Arnisdale Community Portal (website)
The new website aims to showcase our area. However, it will also provide an important platform for communication of local news and events and is available for use by all local community groups, local businesses and services.
Timeline: Launch by the end of March 2012 with ongoing content management and site development
Securing NHS future provision – In hours and out of hours care
The community will continue in its discussion with the NHS to ensure the area maintains provision of access to emergency care, both in hours and out of hours.
Timeline: Ongoing
Renewable energy projects
-Ardintoul Hydro
GADT are working in partnership with other agencies to progress this project.
Timeline: If project is identified as being viable in the next engineers report, this project could be realised within 2 years.
-Ardintoul Wind
GADT are working in partnership with other agencies to progress this project.
Timeline: If resource is measured to be viable, this project could be realised within 2 years.
-Arnisdale River Hydro
GADT wish to work with the local landowners to take forward this project.
Timeline: Initial discussion with landowner to explore the potential for community involvement in such a scheme and also their interest and willingness to be involved in such a project.
-Kylerhea Narrows Tidal Development
Currently there are two developers interested in progressing tidal projects in the Narrows. GADT are speaking to both to ensure the community is consulted and stakes its interest in all potential developments.
Aside from speaking with these developers, GADT directors are arguing that the lease of the seabed should be to the Community, rather than developers. The discussions continue.
- Future Projects
The following areas were mentioned most frequently by respondents to the community survey as being priorities for future projects in the area:
-Marine Development
There is a growing market in Marine Tourism and a willingness within the community to support such developments. A venture like this could potentially culminate in job creation, generate local revenue and enhance the visiting and local experience.
-Provision of care for the elderly (probably in partnership)
The Community has identified a gap in the provision for this age group and demonstrates a willingness to support a locally provided service. A venture like this will provide job creation; self sustain and allow the needs of our elderly to be catered for locally.
-Housing
There is a local need for provision of affordable housing or land which provides an affordable option on which people can build. Partnership project.
-Tourism - Destination Glenelg & Arnisdale
To co-ordinate and develop the existing and potential of this area to promote adventure tourism opportunities. While Glenelg & Arnisdale has a rich history, there is little in the way of organised opportunity for adventure tourism, and, arguably, a distinct lack of opportunity for tourists to enjoy, in particular, sea excursions for sightseeing, cultural visits, wildlife spotting etc., as well as fishing trips. Organising and developing adventure tourism opportunities in this area would provide a direct source of income for people in the area and will have positive benefits for the hospitality sector and other local services in increasing tourist numbers.
-Arnisdale / Corran Bunkhouse
To establish an affordable sleeping facility for individuals, families or groups who wish to visit the area for typically short periods (1- 2 nights) or for those who may be passing through (walkers, mountain bikers, divers, kayakers etc). Accommodation of this type would provide the opportunity for the area to generate revenue from the high footfall of these groups who otherwise pass by or, if equipped will camp wild and not contribute to our economy. The facility would generate revenue and potentially provide a supplementary income for someone who would be required to manage it.
7. Judging which projects to support
As a small community with limited personal and financial resources, it will be important to not spread our efforts too thinly. It will be important to prioritise projects and identify the most appropriate method to achieve our ambitions. Options could include the encouragement of other organisations to lead on community projects with support as required.
We need a transparent system for deciding which projects to support and which to prioritise. In order to decide how best to pursue our vision we will use the following criteria to judge whether or not to proceed with community projects.
Impact.
What sort of economic, cultural or environmental consequences will the project have? Is it likely to be of benefit to the community and / or create opportunities?
Sustainability.
What sort of long-term future does the project have? Is it dependent on continuing financial and personal input?
Achievability.
Can the project be completed within a reasonable time period? Can the project continue to be carried forward after its initial establishment?
Innovation.
Is the project duplicating existing provision or likely to add something new to the cultural and economic life of the community?
Partnership.
How likely is it that the project will receive practical and financial support from partner agencies?
- Project Schedules and Intended Funding
Project / Description / Start Date / Completion Date / Costs (known or estimate) / Funding sources (if identified)
Marine Development / The development of a Marina or Pontoon facility in Glenelg Bay / February 2012 / 2013/14
(target) / *estimate
£500,000 - £1,000,000 / LEADER,
Highland Council,
The Big Lottery, HIE,
Local Investment
Care provision for the Elderly / Development of a facility which provides local nursing care, day care and respite / February 2012 / 2016 / *estimate
£400,000 to build
Running costs not yet projected / CHANGE FUND
Investment from partners – NHS & Highland Council
Housing (partnership project) / Land acquisition for plots to sell / immediate / LSHA, HC, HSCHT,
Tourism – Destination Glenelg & Arnisdale / Co-ordinate & develop adventure tourism potential for the area. Initial step to conduct research / immediately / Ongoing / Start-up costs of up to £3000 initially / Awards for All
Arnisdale / Corran Bunkhouse / Identify land or existing building where this facility could exist / Immediately / 2015 / Up to £100,000 depending on structure / HIE,
Ardintoul Hydro / Engineers Report required to confirm project viability initially / 2008 / 2013 / £1500 / CES
Ardintoul Wind / Resource to be analysed to measure potential scope of project / 2008 / 2013 / *unknown as much of this work being done by goodwill
Arnisdale River Hydro / Initial conversation with Estate owner to explore the possibility / 2012 / Unknown / Unknown / Unknown
Kylerhea Narrows Tidal Development / Marine Current Turbines & Pulse tidal – community consultation yet to be undertaken by both developers / Ongoing / MCT forecast a 2014 launch.
Pulse Tidal forecast is unknown / Unknown / Unknown
NHS + Glenelg & Arnisdale Surgery in hours and out of hours GP provision / The Community will continue negotiations with NHSH to maintain a safe service which works aside the community needs and development aspirations / 2010 / Ongoing / Unknown / Change Fund, O4O
Glenelg & Arnisdale Community Portal / Community website to showcase our area and facilitate improved communication. / 2011 / Ongoing support / £4000 / Part funded by MCT & Highland Council
9. Risk Assessment
The potential risks identified with this Growth Plan are as follows:
- Availability of funding
- Availability of resources in order to realise some of the project (Employed and volunteer capacity)
- Securing project partners
10. Plan Review
The intention is to periodically review and update this plan, at least every 12 months in order to make sure that it is being adhered to and in order to make amendments to adapt to the changing needs, priorities and aspirations of the community.
Local community groups, businesses & voluntary organisations:Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company
Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust
Arnisdale and Loch Hourn Community Association
Glenelg & Arnisdale Community Council
Glenelg Primary Parent Council
Glenelg Primary School
TEC (local)
Church of Scotland
Free Church of Scotland
Retained local Fire Service
Glenelg Shop & Glenelg Crafts
Glenelg Inn
Chill Wind (Glen Beag)
Wind Harvest (Glen Beag)
Trac International
Marine Harvest (Arnisdale)
Forestry Commission
Accommodation providers – B&B & Self Catering
Local mariners
Arnisdale Estate
Eilean Reach Estate, Glenelg
The Glenelg & Arnisdale Health Centre
Youth groups