Date: December 2025
Category: Project Updates / Funding
As part of our ongoing work to progress the Lochcarron Regeneration project, we’ve been engaging with Highland Council’s Community Regeneration team to better understand funding routes and next steps.
On 10 December 2025, we received a very positive and encouraging response from Mark Crowe, Project Officer for Community Regeneration at Highland Council. This has opened up an important potential funding pathway for the project.
What is Community Regeneration Funding?
Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) is designed to support projects that:
- address identified local needs
- deliver wide-ranging, long-term community benefits
- align with local Place Plans
Importantly for Lochcarron, CRF does fund playpark projects, including both refurbishments and new developments, where there is strong community backing and a clear delivery plan.
Introduction of the BeConnected Platform
Highland Council is launching a new platform called BeConnected, which will play a key role in future funding decisions.
BeConnected will:
- allow community groups to pin their project on a live, map-based platform
- capture details of projects that are in development
- help Highland Council identify projects in the pipeline
- be shared with external funders, increasing visibility and funding opportunities
This means projects that are well-prepared and clearly aligned with council priorities may be invited to apply for funding, rather than relying on open calls alone.
👉 This represents a significant opportunity for Lochcarron Regeneration to access meaningful funding support as the project develops.
Scale of Funding Available
Based on recent experience shared by Highland Council:
- A large settlement playpark typically costs £150,000+ VAT
- A destination playpark can exceed £250,000+ VAT
- Community Regeneration Funding has previously contributed 2
- 5–50% of total project costs
- Typical grant awards range from £5,000 to £100,000, with final decisions made by elected members
This reinforces the importance of strong planning, clear phasing, and broad community support — all areas we are actively working on.
Partnership Models for Playparks
Two potential delivery routes were outlined:
1. Council-Operated Playpark (Partnership Model)
Under this model:
- The community group leads on vision, engagement and fundraising
- Highland Council partners in delivery
- Once installed, the playpark remains council-operated
This means:
- Highland Council retains responsibility for
- inspections
- maintenance
- insurance
- long-term safety compliance
This model can be attractive where:
- the community wants to reduce long-term operational risk
- there is strong alignment with council priorities
- the site is already council-owned (as is the case with Battery Park)
2. Community-Owned & Managed Playpark
Alternatively, the project can be:
- owned and managed by a constituted community group
- supported by Highland Council through funding, advice and partnership
Under this model:
- the community group takes responsibility for
- insurance
- inspections
- maintenance
- ongoing management
This route offers:
- greater long-term local control
- flexibility over future development
- stronger alignment with community-led regeneration
However, it also requires:
- a formal legal structure (such as a SCIO or similar)
- appropriate governance, policies and financial controls
What This Means for Lochcarron
Both models remain open and viable for the Lochcarron Regeneration project at this stage.
Crucially, Highland Council has made clear that:
- playparks are eligible for Community Regeneration Funding
- projects like ours should be visible on BeConnected
- early engagement significantly strengthens future funding prospects
This reinforces the importance of our current focus on:
- formalising the collective
- strengthening governance
- continuing community engagement
- developing a clear phased plan
We’ll continue to explore both delivery routes carefully and update the community as decisions are made.
