Learning from Strathpeffer: Insights for Lochcarron’s Playpark Regeneration

On 25th March 2026, members of the Lochcarron Regeneration group met with Gavin Scott from the Strathpeffer Residents Association and Strathpeffer Community Park team. Their playpark project is often held up as a successful, community-driven regeneration model—so this meeting was an invaluable chance for us to learn from their experience as we begin our own journey.

A Phased Approach: Building the Park One Step at a Time

Strathpeffer strongly recommended adopting a phased development model.
Large funding pots are increasingly rare, but funding smaller phases over time is much more achievable. This approach also allows us to keep momentum going by delivering improvements step-by-step rather than waiting for one big grant.

Community Engagement: Start Early, and Keep It Going

A major theme of the meeting was the importance of community involvement from day one.

To demonstrate need and secure funding, we must show:

Evidence of local demand
Minimum expectations for the new park
A clear definition of the project aims

Strathpeffer highlighted that quick, simple wins – such as bug hotels, tidy-up days, or small improvement activities – help get people talking and build early enthusiasm. Regular communication keeps the project alive in the public eye.

Gathering Requirements Before SCIO Registration

We were encouraged to begin collecting community feedback immediately, even before SCIO registration completes. Tools like Google Forms, school engagement, and early business-planning work will strengthen our case with future funders.

Building a Strong Business Plan

A robust business plan doesn’t just support funding applications—it helps define:

Who we are as a charity
Our aims and community impact
Our catchment area
The milestones we can realistically deliver
Whether we have the right mix of skills within the organisation

Strathpeffer credited their business plan as one of the reasons funders took them seriously.

Funding Lessons: Match Funding & Overlapping Streams

Instead of waiting for one large grant, Strathpeffer used multiple overlapping match-funding streams.
This strategy ties directly into the phased approach: different phases can be funded separately, making the project more flexible and less vulnerable to funding delays.

Designing the Park: What to Consider

Tendering

Ask suppliers for scalable proposals, such as £50k, £100k, and £150k packages
Identify a Unique Selling Point for Lochcarron: something no nearby park offers
Request visualisations early to help shape community consultations

Play Equipment

Particular attention should be given to:

Teens: equipment should allow some social privacy without creating hidden areas
Inclusive play: true inclusion must be meaningful, not tokenistic – overly specialised equipment can reduce play value

Surface Options & Costs

We discussed the pros and cons of:

Loose fill – cheaper but requires constant maintenance
Grass – suitable only for low-traffic areas
Wet pour – safest, most inclusive, and best long-term value

Local Businesses: Support Through Skills, Not Just Money

Strathpeffer found that businesses were more likely to offer materials, labour, or practical help than cash donations. These contributions are often just as valuable, especially during early phases.

Working with Highland Council & Local Councils

Their experience shows that:

The council can be helpful, but progress varies depending on which department is involved
Community councils can provide funding information
Local councillors have discretionary funds and may flag grant opportunities

Land Ownership & Long-Term Responsibilities

Funders will require clarity on:

Who owns the land
What permissions we have
How we will handle upkeep, insurance, and safety

Annual insurance alone can cost £5–10k, depending on the final design.

Supplier Management

A reminder that effective supplier engagement is essential:

Approach multiple suppliers
Actively manage them throughout design and delivery
Use visualisations to help refine concepts and support grant applications

Next Steps for Lochcarron

This meeting was a major step forward for our own regeneration plans. The key message from Strathpeffer was clear: start small, stay visible, involve the community early, and build the project in achievable phases.

We’ll be taking these lessons forward as we continue our consultations, prepare our business plan, and gather the support needed to transform Lochcarron’s playpark into an inclusive, vibrant, and future-proof community space.