SLCVO Blog 03 July
- joford4
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
This week's blog highlights some of the fantastic groups and organisations supporting the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) agenda across Skye and Lochalsh. We also provide an update on SLCVO's work to support the development of a new collaboration that will bring together third, public and private sector partners to tackle waste, increase reuse and repair opportunities, and strengthen the local circular economy.
Supporting the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Collaboration
This week, Michelle has been busy developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) following the decision by the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) Working Group to move forward with establishing the Skye & Lochalsh Reduce Reuse Recycle Collaboration.
Over the past eight months, Michelle has worked closely with a range of third sector organisations to build a more coordinated and strategic approach to supporting the circular economy across Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh. The area's geographic isolation and unique infrastructure challenges create distinct waste management issues, making local collaboration essential to reducing waste, increasing reuse opportunities and retaining valuable resources within local communities.
Recognising that lasting change cannot be achieved by any one organisation alone, the new collaboration aims to bring together partners from the third, public and private sectors around a shared vision and purpose. Aligned with the priorities of the Skye and Raasay Futures (SARF) initiative and the Scottish Government's Circular Economy Strategy, the collaboration will provide a platform for collective action and innovation.
Keep up to date with the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Collaboration here
Charity Shops and Circular Economy
Charity shops play a vital role in the circular economy by extending the life of items that might otherwise be thrown away. Through the collection and resale of donated clothing, books, furniture, household goods and electrical items, they help reduce waste, encourage reuse, and divert valuable resources from landfill.
By providing affordable second-hand goods, charity shops also help challenge the culture of buying new and support more sustainable consumption habits. At the same time, the income generated through sales is reinvested into charitable activities and community services, creating both environmental and social benefits.
Across Skye and Lochalsh, charity shops are an important part of the local Reduce, Reuse and Recycle network, helping communities save money, reduce waste and make better use of existing resources.
Crossroads Care - The Green, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9BSPhone: 01478 612399
Blythswood - Quay Street, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9DE: Phone: 01478 612198
Blythswood - 2 Harrapool, Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AQ Phone: 01471 820020
Highland Hospice - Park Road, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EP: Phone: 01478 612960
Rag Tag and Textile – Creativity Through Upcycling
Based in Broadford, Rag Tag and Textile combine creativity, wellbeing and sustainability. The organisation promotes mental wellbeing through craft activities while encouraging participants to repurpose and upcycle textiles that might otherwise become waste. Through workshops, clothing reuse, crafting and textile projects, Rag Tag helps build skills, confidence and community connections while promoting a culture of repair and reuse to reduce waste
Am Fasgadh Furniture Project – Furniture Reuse with Community Impact
Run by Skye and Lochalsh Mental Health Association, the Am Fasgadh Furniture Project collects donated furniture and redistributes it to people in need. The project prevents good-quality furniture and household goods from being discarded while supporting local residents experiencing hardship. Alongside the environmental benefits, the project also provides meaningful opportunities for members to contribute to the community and build skills and confidence.
ILM Highland – Leading the Highlands' Circular Economy
ILM Highland is one of the region's leading circular economy social enterprises. Through electrical recycling, appliance refurbishment, repair services and repair cafés, the organisation keeps thousands of electrical items in use and out of landfill. Refurbished appliances are sold at affordable prices, while profits support community services helping older and vulnerable residents remain independent. Their work perfectly illustrates how environmental and social goals can work hand in hand.
South Skye Electrical Amnesty – Repair, Reuse, Recycle
Since launching in 2021, the South Skye Electrical Amnesty has provided local residents with an easy and accessible way to dispose of unwanted electrical goods responsibly. Working alongside ILM Highland, the initiative collects everything from kettles and laptops to washing machines, ensuring items are either repaired, reused or properly recycled. The project highlights the importance of tackling one of the world's fastest-growing waste streams while promoting local circular economy solutions.
South Skye Men's Shed – Repairing and Connecting
South Skye Men's Shed brings people together through practical activities including woodworking, tool refurbishment, furniture restoration and community projects. The group builds benches, planters and bird boxes while repairing and refurbishing items wherever possible. By sharing skills and encouraging repair rather than replacement, the Men's Shed contributes to both community wellbeing and the circular economy.
Skye Beach Cleans – Turning Marine Waste into Action
Founded by local volunteers passionate about protecting Skye's coastline, Skye Beach Cleans removes marine litter from beaches across the area. The group not only collects waste but also works with recycling partners to ensure materials such as fishing nets, ropes and hard plastics are recycled whenever possible. Their work is vital in protecting wildlife, improving the environment and raising awareness of the wider impacts of waste and pollution.
Dunvegan Community Trust – Sharing Tools, Reducing Waste
Dunvegan Community Trust is helping to make sustainable choices easier through its Tool Library, which allows local people to borrow tools when they need them rather than purchasing new ones. This simple but effective initiative supports the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle agenda by reducing consumption, saving money and ensuring tools are used to their full potential rather than sitting unused in sheds and garages.
The Trust is also developing the Gaeltec Community Hub, a community-owned facility that will house the Tool Library alongside workshop space and shared community facilities. The project includes measures to improve building energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable community development.
By encouraging the sharing of resources, repairing rather than replacing, and making better use of community assets, Dunvegan Community Trust is helping to reduce waste and support a more circular economy in northwest Skye.
Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust – Giving Resources a Second Life
Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust is helping to reduce waste and support local people through the Lochalsh Reuse and Recycle Hub. The hub provides opportunities for unwanted items to be reused rather than discarded, helping to keep valuable resources in circulation and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Alongside reuse and recycling activities, the hub also hosts a Community Fridge, helping to redistribute surplus food and reduce food waste while supporting individuals and families within the local community. Through practical initiatives that encourage sharing, repairing and reusing, the Trust is making an important contribution to the local circular economy and demonstrating how community-led solutions can deliver both environmental and social benefits.
Broadford & Strath Community Company - Sustainability in Action
Broadford & Strath Community Company (BSCC) is helping local people live more sustainably through projects that reduce waste, encourage reuse, and support recycling.
Through the Highland Community Waste Partnership, BSCC delivered repair workshops, composting sessions, clothes swaps, and educational activities to help reduce waste and promote sustainable lifestyles across Skye and Raasay. The Community Fridge helps prevent good food from going to waste by redistributing surplus food within the community, reducing landfill while supporting local residents.
BSCC also promotes local food growing through its Growers Hub, where allotments and community growing spaces help reduce food miles, packaging waste, and encourage healthier lifestyles. Innovative recycling projects include repurposing waste glass for community paths and encouraging composting to turn food waste into a useful resource.
By combining food growing, waste reduction, sharing initiatives, and environmental education, BSCC is helping to build a greener and more resilient community.
Portree and Braes Community Trust - Growing a Greener Future
Portree & Braes Community Trust is helping local people embrace the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle through its allotment and composting projects. By encouraging residents to grow their own food, the Trust helps reduce food miles, packaging waste, and the environmental impact associated with transporting produce.
Its composting initiatives support the reuse of food and garden waste, turning organic material into nutrient-rich compost rather than sending it to landfill. This not only reduces waste but also creates a valuable resource for local growing projects.
The Trust's allotments also promote sharing, learning, and sustainable gardening, helping to build a stronger, greener community. Through these practical initiatives, Portree & Braes Community Trust is demonstrating how simple local actions can make a lasting difference for both people and the environment.
Blog produced with the support of Microsoft Copilot
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