On 4 November, members of the Lochcarron Regeneration group met with representatives from Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) to discuss how best to structure the project, approach funding, and engage the wider community.
HTSI provide advice and support to community groups across the Highlands, particularly around governance, funding and long-term sustainability. The meeting was an important early step in shaping how the project moves forward.
Who Attended
- Kirsty Henderson (HTSI)
- Fiona Mackenzie
- Martin Rabbitts
- Annette Rabbitts
Project Structure and Governance
A key discussion point was how Lochcarron Regeneration should be set up from a legal and organisational perspective.
Two main options were outlined:
- Working within an existing trust or charity, which would allow that organisation to handle legal, financial and accounting responsibilities.
- Setting up a new organisation, such as a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation), which would provide full independence but also bring additional administrative responsibilities.
HTSI advised that, at this stage, the preferred and most practical option would be for Lochcarron Regeneration to operate as a sub-committee of an existing trust or charity, rather than creating a new organisation from scratch. This approach would simplify governance and make funding applications easier in the early phases.
Project Timeline
Based on similar projects elsewhere in the Highlands, HTSI advised that a realistic timescale for delivering the playpark redevelopment would be approximately 2 to 2.5 years from early planning through to completion.
This reinforces the importance of phased planning and early preparation for funding applications.
Funding Landscape
HTSI provided guidance on likely funding routes and expectations:
- The Funding Scotland website was highlighted as the primary source for identifying and applying for grants.
- It is expected that Highland Council funding and National Lottery funding would make up a significant proportion of the overall project budget.
- The group was advised to explore future funding opportunities, including potential 2026 funding rounds, at an early stage.
Preparing for the Highland Council Meeting
The group discussed preparations for the upcoming meeting with Highland Council, scheduled for the following week.
Key points to explore with the Council include:
- What provision currently exists for playparks and community spaces
- Whether recent or upcoming Scottish Government funding may be available
- Understanding the Council’s role and responsibilities in relation to the existing sites
Community Demand and Engagement
Strong emphasis was placed on the importance of community engagement to demonstrate demand and inform design decisions.
Key actions discussed included:
- Checking with the Lochcarron Community Council about their existing Place Plan, which outlines community needs, priorities and gaps
- Engaging all age groups, not just families with young children
- Considering wider community features such as a community hut, which could provide all-weather space for activities and social use
- Using QR codes linked to online surveys to gather feedback
- Carrying out door-to-door engagement, particularly to involve older residents who may be less likely to engage online
- Exploring grant support for printed materials to assist with engagement activities
Next Steps
HTSI confirmed they would:
- Share further information on SCIOs, governance options and funding routes
- Continue to support the group as plans develop
This meeting provided valuable clarity on structure, funding expectations and the importance of inclusive community engagement. It has helped shape the next phase of work as Lochcarron Regeneration moves forward.
