SLCVO Blog 23 January

This week we explore how the third sector brings investment into Skye and Lochalsh. We highlight the scale of funding flowing through local charities—almost £30 million—and where that investment is going, from community facilities and health projects to support for young carers.

Nearly £30 Million Flowing Into Our Communities Through Charities

Charities bring a significant and often under‑recognised level of investment into our local communities. New analysis from publicly available data collated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) shows that charities registered in the Skye and Lochalsh generated a combined income of £29,717,386, based on each charities Annual Return, underlining the vital economic role of the third sector alongside its social impact.

However, it is important to note that this figure does not represent the full value of third sector activity. The OSCR dataset covers registered charities only and does not include other types of third sector organisations such as Community Interest Companies (CICs), unincorporated organisations, or other community‑led groups that play a critical role in supporting people and places.

The true economic and social contribution of the third sector could therefore be considerably higher than these figures alone suggest.

How the Third Sector Brings Investment Into Skye and Lochalsh

Local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups attract investment from a wide range of sources, including local government, the National Lottery, NHS Highland and charitable foundations. This funding is used to delivery essential services, provide local employment and develop the areas infrastructure.

Evidence from the Scottish Charity Regulator shows that even relatively small local organisations manage substantial annual incomes, often in excess of £100,000, supporting advice services, wellbeing projects, housing, youth work, environmental projects and community support.  For example Urras an Eilein who promoting Gaelic language activities and projects on Skye focusing on Skye’s education, heritage, history and culture https://urras-an-eilein.scot/

Funding secured by third sector organisations doesn’t just support projects — it strengthens the local economy. Investment is spent locally on wages, facilities, transport and supplies, helping keep money circulating within Skye and Lochalsh and supporting community resilience. [rse.org.uk]

Understanding how much funding flows into our area through the third sector helps highlight its true value — not only as a service provider, but as a key contributor to local economic and community wellbeing.

From Sports to Support Services: £794k Invested in Skye & Lochalsh

Between October and December 2025, Skye & Lochalsh third sector organisations secured £794k in confirmed funding — led by Islands Programme (£397k) and CRF (£372k) awards

• South Skye Community Campus received a combined £527,393 to progress Phase 1 of its all‑weather pitch project, including £200,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) and £327,393 from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme.

• Dunvegan Community Trust SCIO was awarded £49,814.50 in CRF funding to purchase a new community minibus and provide driver training, alongside £7,279 from the Community‑Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund.

• Broadford & Strath Community Company secured £50,000 in CRF funding to support renewable energy installations, with an additional £6,500 from the CLLD Fund.

• Skye & Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau received £7,882 in CRF support to enhance its outreach capacity through new equipment, including a gazebo and staff uniforms.

• Portree & Braes Community Trust and Staffin Community Trust were awarded £8,113 and £3,437.67 respectively from the CLLD Fund, supporting local community‑led activity.

• Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers secured £70,000 from the Islands Programme toward the establishment of a purpose‑built facility in Portree.

• Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust received £63,839.32 in CRF funding to upgrade public toilets, showers and launderette facilities in Kyle of Lochalsh.

South Skye Community Campus: Investing in Community, Health and Opportunity

The South Skye Community Campus (SSCC) is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local people come together around a shared vision for their community. Led by volunteers and shaped by community need, the Campus is focused on creating modern, accessible facilities that support health, wellbeing, participation and opportunity for people across South Skye and the wider Skye and Lochalsh area.

The first major milestone for the Campus is Phase 1: the development of a new all‑weather sports pitch in Broadford. This project has secured a significant £527,393 in public investment, bringing together £200,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund and £327,393 from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme.

The pitch is being developed alongside the new Broadford Primary School, creating opportunities for shared use and a more joined‑up approach to education, sport and community life. This “campus” model helps maximise public investment, encourages partnership working and ensures facilities work for the widest possible range of users.

Projects like the South Skye Community Campus also demonstrate the wider economic value of the third sector. The funding secured for Phase 1 will be spent locally, supporting contractors, suppliers and jobs, while the completed facility will continue to generate social and economic benefit for years to come. Improved facilities can reduce travel costs, support volunteering, attract activity back into the community and strengthen local pride and confidence.

For young people in particular, having access to modern, high‑quality local facilities sends an important message: your community is worth investing in. That sense of value and belonging is a vital part of long‑term community sustainability.

For more information visit https://www.southskyecampus.org/ 

New Home Planned for Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers

Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers (SLYC) is moving closer to its long‑held ambition of establishing a purpose‑built facility in Portree, providing a safe, welcoming space for young carers across the area. The service supports children and young people aged 5–18 who have significant caring responsibilities at home, offering emotional support, respite, life‑skills activities and bereavement support.

Currently operating from a small rented cottage, SLYC has outgrown its existing space. In response, plans are being developed for a bespoke building designed to feel like a family home, with space for counselling, group activities and practical skills development. Importantly, the design reflects what young carers themselves have said they need.

Progress has been made this year, with £70,000 secured from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme to support the development of the new facility, alongside £50,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund to complete the final design stage. Once this work is complete, the project will be ready to move into the construction funding phase.

This investment represents more than a new building: it is an investment in young people’s wellbeing, mental health and future life chances, ensuring young carers in Skye and Lochalsh have a space of their own where they can feel supported, valued and safe.

Fin out more information here https://slyc.org.uk/

Upgrading Vital Community Facilities in Kyle of Lochalsh

Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust has secured £63,839.32 in Community Regeneration Fund funding to begin Phase 1 of upgrades to the only public toilets, showers and launderette in Kyle of Lochalsh. These facilities play a vital role for local residents, businesses and the many people passing through Kyle each year as a transport hub and gateway to Skye, with more than 70,000 users annually.

The funding will address urgent priority works following flooding damage in 2024, including roof repairs, security improvements, and health and safety upgrades to help keep the building open, safe and fit for purpose year‑round. Operated by the Community Trust since 2014, the facilities provide accessible toilets and showers, baby‑changing, and affordable self‑service laundry — services that are often overlooked but essential in rural communities

This investment protects a much‑used community asset, ensures continuity of essential services, and demonstrates how local investment can deliver practical, high‑impact benefits for both communities and visitors in Skye and Lochalsh.

Find out more information here https://www.lochalsh.uk/community-amenities/public-toilets-showers-launderette/

Top Ten Skye and Lochalsh Charities by Income, Based on the Most Recent Annual Returns

• Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association – Income: £6,909,000 – Expenditure: £5,551,000

• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – Income: £6,086,824 – Expenditure: £6,050,780

• Columba 1400 – Income: £1,796,289 – Expenditure: £2,109,362

• Fèisean nan Gàidheal – Income: £1,450,744 – Expenditure: £1,366,060

• Clan Donald Lands Trust – Income: £1,448,671 – Expenditure: £1,687,468

• Sleat Community Trust – Income: £1,021,744 – Expenditure: £1,108,813

• Staffin Community Trust Ltd – Income: £757,562 – Expenditure: £163,174

• Crossroads Care Skye & Lochalsh – Income: £499,999 – Expenditure: £423,026

• Raasay Development Trust Ltd – Income: £485,188 – Expenditure: £222,578

• Portree Nursery Ltd – Income: £417,435 – Expenditure: £450,469

Find out more about local charities on OSCR’s website https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/