Tiree Community Growth Plan Tiree Community Growth Plan August LMK (LDO)

Transcription

1 Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 1

2 Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan Cntents Page Cntents Page Abut the Grwth Plan, Grwth at the Edge and CAM 3 Intrductin 5 What s happening already Tiree has a lt t celebrate 6 The Cmmunity s visin fr the future 7 Tiree s targets fr the next five years 8 Hw d Tiree s targets fit with Eurpean, Natinal and Lcal 9 Gvernment strategies? Tiree s Cre Values 11 Strategic Themes 12 Theme 1 - Cmmunity Facilities and Infrastructure 13 Theme 2 Crfting, Agriculture & the Envirnment 16 Theme 6 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency 25 Theme 7 - Turism 28 Theme 8 - Transprt 30 Theme 9 Yuth, Children and Educatin 32 Theme 10 Cmmunity Grups 34 Prjects (Shrt, Mid and Lng term) and Key Pririties 35 Delivering the Plan Wrking in Partnership 40 Appendix 41 Theme 3 Emplyment and Ecnmic Develpment 19 Theme 4 - Husing 22 Theme 5 Marine Resurces and Fishing 24 Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 2

3 Abut the Grwth Plan, Grwth at the Edge and Cmmunity Accunt Management The Island f Tiree s cmmunity has been selected as an area where enhanced supprt under a new apprach called Grwth at the Edge/Fas aig an Oir can achieve innvative and sustainable cmmunity develpment. This apprach is being develped by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and is designed t supprt the mst remte and disadvantaged cmmunities within the HIE area. HIE and LEADER has c-financed the services f a Lcal Develpment Officer with the Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust as the anchr rganisatin. The main duties f the Lcal Develpment Officer are: T prduce a Grwth Plan fr Tiree, which takes int accunt the cmmunity s visin fr the next five years, and uses this visin t establish pririties fr develpment- where prgress has already been made twards a develpment plan, this plan will be refreshed T develp business plans and funding prpsals fr thse prjects identified as pririties within the Cmmunity s Grwth Plan T versee the implementatin f these prjects, including the surcing and drawdwn f funding, and the keeping f recrds/writing f reprts as required by funders T maintain cnstructive wrking relatinships with grups within the cmmunity, and with staff frm public, vluntary and private sectr rganisatins t ensure a c-rdinated apprach and enable acceleratin f scial-ecnmic regeneratin thrugh c-rdinated investment by develpment and public agencies T lk fr ways t integrate all lcal vluntary and cmmunity based actins in rder t supprt the wider aims f the cmmunity T develp the initial cmmunity appraisal/needs survey and use this t generate a Lcal Cmmunity Develpment which can be endrsed by the lcal Cmmunity Planning Bdy Subsequent t the plan endrsement, ways need t be fund t implement the plan cntents, this will require a series f priritisatin decisins with the bjective f achieving clear early wins alngside the lnger term nurturing f the cmmunity s lng term visin What is Cmmunity Accunt Management? Cmmunity Accunt Management is wrking intensively with an anchr rganisatin ver a sustained perid f time (up t five years) t supprt the anchr rganisatin t deliver utcmes fr the verall sustainable grwth f the cmmunity. Tiree s cmmunity will be supprted t develp a Cmmunity Grwth Plan (similar t a business plan) spanning a five year perid. Supprt (althugh nt necessarily funding frm HIE) will be prvided t implement the prjects and targets within the Cmmunity Grwth Plan. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 3

4 Alngside this, the cmmunity will be supprted t becme sustainable, taking n prjects with a revenue stream, s that the cmmunity builds capacity and can cntinue t supprt cmmunity develpment after the accunt management relatinship ends. Main aim f Cmmunity Grwth Plan The aim f the cmmunity grwth plan will be t address issues within the cmmunity, whether these are abut husing, emplyment, deppulatin etc., but als t supprt the cmmunity t identify pprtunities fr revenue generatin that will enable ur cmmunity t becme mre sustainable and prfits can be used fr the gd f the wider cmmunity. Delivering the Plan In rder fr the plan t be delivered effectively, it is vital that the cmmunity wrk tgether and that all grups and individuals are kept infrmed f prgress. Intended recipients and users f the plan: The resident ppulatin f Tiree The visiting ppulatin f Tiree Public agencies, including ff- island bdies such as Argyll and Bute Cuncil, HIE etc Where the plan will be available: Tiree Rural Develpment Website Cpies available t dwnlad ( Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust Website Cpies available t dwnlad ( An Idhlann Cpy available t read Tiree Library Cpy available t read The Business Centre Cpies available t takeaway Tiree Rural Centre Cpies available t takeaway Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust Office Cpies available t takeaway Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 4

5 Intrductin The Island f Tiree, the mst westerly f the Inner Hebrides has a ppulatin currently arund 732, althugh between the census 2001 and 2011 there has been a 3.9% decline in the Island s ppulatin and this demnstrates hw fragile the island is. On a psitive nte, Tiree saw a baby bm in 2010 with 15 babies being brn r mving nt the Island. If the ppulatin falls further, sme f Tiree s key facilities the schl, the surgery, regular transprt links, Tigh a Rudha (the Eventide Hme) may nt be ecnmic and we may lse what we have. The primary schl rll has fallen frm 63 pupils in 2001 t 47 pupils in We all knw that the future f Tigh a Rudha is uncertain at the mment. Nbdy wants t lse ur key facilities s we must act nw t save ur resurces fr the lng term. The cmmunity is in limb at the mment with regard t the prpsed ffshre windfarm, the Argyll Array. Sme members f the cmmunity feel that the Island culd benefit ecnmically frm this develpment and create emplyment while thers fear it culd have a disastrus effect n the cmmunity and the scenery. The prblem is that we d nt have enugh facts at the mment t determine whether it culd be a negative r psitive additin if it ges ahead. There will be turbulent times ahead and sme hard decisins will have t be made t ensure that we get the best utcme fr ur Island and fr ur cmmunity. Therefre it is imperative that the cmmunity wrks tgether t gather all the facts t enable us, as a cmmunity, t make an infrmed decisin. It is als an exciting time fr the Island, with ur windfall mney frm Tilley, ur cmmunity turbine, cming in. It is such a great achievement fr a small Island, t have ur wn funding fr prjects, especially in this current ecnmic climate and we shuld be prud f this. By having this independent incme stream n ur Island we will be less reliant n Grant funding frm utside bdies especially when we are faced with funding cuts during this time f financial hardship. The basis fr the infrmatin in this plan came frm the cmmunity pen day n 29 th January 2011, Resident s survey carried ut in March 2011, lcal audit (cmpiled by the LDO in January 2011) and cnsultatin with lcal cmmunity grups and members f the cmmunity. This plan has been written fr the cmmunity and the cmmunity will have wnership f the plan. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 5

6 What s happening already Tiree has a lt t celebrate! As yu can see frm the prjects listed belw, a lt has been achieved since the first plan in 2005 and Tiree s cmmunity shuld be very prud f this. The prjects were identified and implemented by varius different cmmunity grups and utside agencies. This updated plan will build upn this effrt t help ensure in the future everyne wrks twards a cmmn visin fr Tiree, maximising resurces, minimising duplicatin f effrt and wrking in partnership as a truly united cmmunity. Achievements frm the Cmmunity Develpment Plan: Hlding A Bhuain in Emplying a yuth wrker. TCDT nw emplys a yuth wrker. Develping a Cmmunity Renewable energy prject fr revenue generatin. We nw have Tilley, ur wn cmmunity turbine. The very successful Tiree music festival The rganisers plan t have this as an annual event. The play park at Crssapl. The Scttish Executive s jb dispersal prgramme t attract prfessinal psts t the Island. This has prvided a number f lcal peple with emplyment. West Highland Husing Assciatin has built 16 affrdable hmes at the Pier View develpment. This has enabled yung, lcal families t return t the Island and has prvided hmes fr new teachers t the Island. M&K MacLed have built private huses and 8 affrdable hmes thrugh the Gr-grant scheme at the Pier View develpment. The Turist infrmatin pint in the Rural Centre. An access fficer was funded by TRD, Argyll Estates and SNH Establishing an island-wide cattle health initiative. Ring and Ride bus service prvided by Argyll and Bute Cuncil. Ringside Cinema at the Rural Centre A transprt grup has been frmed. Emply a Renewable energy prject fficer t prgress the Tiree renewable energy and energy efficiency strategy This has been achieved with the Pwer dwn prject thrugh TRD. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 6

7 The Cmmunity s Visin fr the Future Frm cmmunity cnsultatin, yu, the cmmunity, have decided that this visin shuld stay the same as the previus plan. The visin is as fllws: In 2025 Tiree will cntinue t be a thriving and ecnmically viable cmmunity sustaining a high quality f life fr all whilst safeguarding ur remarkable envirnment, heritage and culture. By making the Island mre attractive t yung peple and families we will wrk twards a slw, sustainable ppulatin grwth, preventing a ppulatin decline In the recent residents survey, 88% f yu said yu were satisfied with Tiree as a place t live. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 7

8 Tiree s Targets fr the next five years Over the next 5 years, thrugh the delivery f this plan and by all the cmmunity grups wrking tgether, Tiree has set the fllwing targets in rder t wrk twards the cmmunity s visin fr the future: Cntinue t prvide affrdable husing n the Island as required T maintain the number f crfting businesses and cattle at current levels thereby helping t preserve ur unique envirnment thrugh gd management whilst increasing the quality f stck and prmte land-based sectr skills develpment T create mre emplyment and jb pprtunities in rder fr us t be a thriving and ecnmically viable cmmunity Wrk twards reducing the Island s carbn ftprint T wrk twards a lnger turism seasn t enable year rund turism and make Tiree a quality turist destinatin and imprve satisfactin Imprve ppulatin trends Increased average Husehld Incme thrugh imprved emplyment pprtunities e.g. less seasnal wrking, mre sustainable lcal businesses, access t business space t allw us t sustain a high quality f life Imprve transprt prvisin and inter-island links Cmmunity Assets: Acquisitin and Develpment Encuragement f a range f cmmunity grups/ activities Retain Tiree Gaelic culture and traditins thrugh varius prjects and this will help twards t safeguarding ur heritage and culture Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 8

9 Hw d Tiree s targets fit in with Eurpean, Natinal and Lcal Gvernment Strategies? The Tiree targets and prjects that have been chsen fit well with the pririties f Lcal and Natinal Gvernment, this in turn means that ur prjects and targets are mre likely t succeed. They culd ptentially attract advice, supprt and pssible funding at Lcal, Natinal and Eurpean level t enable ur prjects and ur cmmunity t meet these strategies. Listed belw are the strategies that ur targets/ prjects fit in with. Natinal Level: We live in a Sctland that is the mst attractive place fr ding business (1) We realise ur full ecnmic ptential with mre and better emplyment pprtunities fr ur yung peple (2) Our yung peple are successful learners, cnfident individuals, effective cntributrs and respnsible citizens (4) Our children have the best start in life and are ready t succeed (5) We live lnger, healthier lives (6) We live ur lives safe frm crime, disrder and danger (9) We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able t access the amenities and services we need (10) We have strng, resilient and supprtive cmmunities where peple take respnsibility fr their wn actins and hw they affect thers (11) We value and enjy ur built and natural envirnment and prtect it and enhance it fr future generatins (12) Our public services are high quality (15) Lcal Level: An area that is accessible, yet retains its remte character Vibrant lcal ecnmy that is based n cre attributes f the area, flexible and pen t new pprtunities Well-cnnected ecnmically and scially High quality public services and leisure/cmmunity facilities that attract peple t settle in Argyll and Bute Partnership wrking acrss all sectrs t crdinate develpments, market Argyll and Bute and remve cnstraint Well balanced demgraphically with yung peple chsing t stay r mve t the area Practive cmmunities where lcal peple and rganisatins lk fr and create pprtunities Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 9

10 Dynamic public services with mre delivery f high quality prfessinal services frm Argyll and Bute Partnership wrking acrss all sectrs t crdinate develpments, market Argyll and Bute and remve cnstraints Cmmunities that encurage lifelng learning A sense f histry with a view t the future Cmmunities that are culturally rich with a desire t excel Safe supprtive cmmunities with psitive culture and sense f pride in the area Husing that is apprpriate and affrdable with lcal peple able t participate in the husing market High quality envirnment that is valued, recgnised and prtected The envirnment is respected as a valued asset that can prvide sustainable pprtunities fr business Tiree s Cre Values We dn t want t see Tiree change [fr the wrse], nly fr the better. At the cmmunity pen day in January 2011 yu said that the cre values in the develpment plan were still relevant tday. We have used these cre values as a basis fr this cmmunity grwth plan and fr the prjects and targets included within this plan. Yu said that there is a lt that is imprtant t Tiree s cmmunity listed belw are sme f the examples f ur Cre Values. The Gaelic culture and language, the way f life, the pace f life, architecture, crfting, the scenery and the peple themselves. These are all factrs that cmbine t make Tiree what it is a unique living histrical and envirnmentally imprtant landscape that supprts ur cmmunity. N-ne wants t see these imprtant values change and this plan is designed t make sure that they remain a part f Tiree s character n matter what is dne t cntinue t imprve quality f life and the pprtunity t be mre ecnmically active. The brad statements utlined n the next page are intended t be applied cllectively t guide any decisin abut Tiree s future. As such they will underpin everything prpsed and undertaken in this Plan. N actin will be taken that has the ptential t impact significantly n these values. T d s wuld invke the wrng kind f change fr the Island. These Cre Values will als be actively prmted bth n and ff the Island t encurage public bdies, vluntary grups, private interests and individuals t adpt and align their wn thinking and decisin making with them. Taken tgether they represent a pwerful message abut the type f grwth the Tiree peple are prepared t tlerate. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 10

11 Tiree s Cre Values COMMUNITY DECISION MAKING Tiree has a strng sense f cmmunity and is willing t embrace new ideas as lng as it can maintain its sense f identity. All f the cmmunity shuld have the pprtunity t be invlved in making infrmed decisins abut the island s future. The utcme f such decisins shuld be based n a reasnable cnsensus and n fact nt rumur. The implicatins f all decisins shuld be cnsidered fr the whle island and integrated with all ther activities and sectrs. ENVIRONMENT, CULTURE AND HERITAGE Tiree has a very special envirnment, culture and heritage. They are central t ur quality f life, cmmunity, emplyment, prducts, turism industry and image f the island. As such the prtectin and enhancement f the envirnment, the island s culture including the crfting way f life, rich heritage and architecture shuld be at the heart f ur visin and everything we seek t d. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Tiree s primary assets are its peple, its culture and its envirnment. In seeking t maximise pprtunities fr tday s generatin, t regenerate ur ecnmy, imprve ur husing and develp ur infrastructure, it is imprtant we d s withut cmprmising the ability f future generatins t d the same. We will seek t maximise the use f island s resurces, minimise waste and recycle where pssible. YOUTH We value ur yung peple and see them playing a lead rle in the future f the island. We must ensure that any develpment imprves and increases facilities, emplyment and services fr yung peple and children, and seek t invlve them in decisin making affecting their future. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The cnditin f Tiree s lcal ecnmy impacts cnsiderably n all residents and t a large extent determines the ability f the island t address deppulatin and t encurage new and returning residents t the island. We place real value n ur existing businesses and are cmmitted t supprting them. We will als supprt new businesses which create greater pprtunities fr lcal peple prviding they are in keeping with the island s envirnment, culture and heritage. DELIVERINGLOCAL NEEDS LOCALLY Tiree is an islated and remte cmmunity. Wherever pssible we will prmte reductin f the prblems f remteness by delivering needs lcally and reducing dependence n external inputs. We will imprve the lcal market fr gds and services, prmte equal and effective access t gds, services and markets, prvide a high quality Infrmatin Technlgy resurce and reduce reliance n imprts and subsidies. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Tiree has a high standard f health and scial services. In everything we d we will ensure these services are maintained and where necessary enhanced t avid upheaval t the mainland and prvide valuable emplyment and training pprtunities. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 11

12 Strategic Themes Thrugh cnsultatin with cmmunity grups and feedback frm the cmmunity pen day in January it was decided that the strategic themes and headings shuld stay the same in this updated cmmunity grwth plan. We have als added a sectin abut cmmunity grups as these grups play a majr part in Island life and activities and we value greatly the vlunteers wh give up their time t be invlved in grups fr the greater gd f the cmmunity. In the recent residents survey, 60% f the respndents were actively invlved with the cmmunity in sme way whether it be, a cmmittee member, an ffice hlder r actively invlved in cmmunity grups. The fllwing Themes are prpsed as the key areas in which effrt is required if we are t fulfil ur wish f reaching ur visin. This effrt will be required frm all gvernment agencies, cmmunity grups and mst f all yu, the Tiree cmmunity. 1. Cmmunity Facilities and Infrastructure 2. Crfting and Agriculture 3. Emplyment and Ecnmic Develpment 4. Husing 5. Marine Resurces and Fishing 6. Renewable Energy 7. Turism 8. Transprt 9. Yuth, Children and Educatin 10. Cmmunity Grups Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 12

13 1. Cmmunity Facilities and Infrastructure Tiree has a wide range f cmmunity facilities and infrastructure fr all aspects f cmmunity life ranging frm educatin and health t an active scial scene. Health Health and scial services are f a high quality n Tiree with prfessinal dedicated staff and a surgery with gd facilities. At the time f writing this plan we face an uncertain future with regards t Tigh a Rudha (the Eventide Hme). Tigh a Rudha is the nly care hme n the Island and wuld be a great lss if it were t clse. Argyll and Bute Cuncil have put the running f the Hme and Hme Care services ut t private tender and there is interest frm private cmpanies t run these services n Tiree. We als lack a day care facility n the Island and this is a service that many peple are keen n fr the future. We have the Lunchclub fr the elderly and disabled but this can t expand due t lack f funds. The Meals n Wheels service is delivered by vlunteers n the Island. Meals n Wheels is a service where the elderly and disabled can receive meals delivered t their wn hmes fur days a week. Many peple are very reliant n this service and meals n wheels are always lking fr mre vlunteers. Tiree Resurce club have put in an applicatin t Big Lttery t enable them t purchase a cmmunity bus in rder fr them t be able t prvide a service f being able t take the elderly and disabled ut t the shps, utings, Lunchclub etc and they als require funding fr an utreach wrker. Cùram Thiridh (knwn as Curam) has been set up by the cmmunity f Tiree t investigate the pssibility f prviding an integrated care service t meet the needs f the Island s ppulatin. The grup has been meeting regularly t discuss the way frward and with a wrking grup f ver 20 peple with an array f experience. This new prgressive care centre culd incrprate a day care facility, a care hme, Lunchclub, mrtuary and many mre cmmunity facilities. Cmmunity Buildings Since pening in July 2004, An Talla has been a great asset t the cmmunity, its uses range frm hlding the weekly yuth club t a wedding venue and Zumba and Pilates classes! An Talla is a cmmunity run hall and relies heavily n its vlunteer cmmittee and generates it s incme frm letting ut the small hall fr meetings t letting ut the whle hall fr functins such as weddings, birthday parties etc and there is an ffice available fr rent. Tiree Rural Centre pened in July 2003 and is als a very well used building and has helped t cement the future f crfting n Tiree. The Rural Centre has the auctin mart, a café, ffice space, hsts the seasnal turist infrmatin pint and is hme t Tiree s very wn Ringside Cinema! TRD has been gifted Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 13

14 the cntents f the last remaining blacksmiths wrkshp n Tiree and TRD hpe t add an extensin nt the building in rder t huse a mck smiddy and t prvide wrkshp space fr let t the cmmunity. Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust rent three ffices frm TRD. Tiree Cmmunity Business are seeking funding t purchase the Business Centre frm HIE. If the purchase is successful they wuld like t add an extensin in rder t prvide a much needed indr children s play area, shwer blck and tilets and a hme fr the frmer museum f island life where exhibits can be shwn and the newly frmed Tiree Tapestry grup are als lking fr a hme t display their wrk. This develpment wuld prvide a service which is currently lacking n the Island at present. The Churches n Tiree are a majr part f ur culture and heritage. Many f the buildings are nw in pr cnditin due t lack f funds t up keep them. We need t think f fund raising ideas and lk at different funding ptins t ensure that we keep ur churches pen. There is a strng pssibility that Kirkapl Church will be sld in the near future. At a recent pen day (16 th June 2012), feedback frm the cmmunity suggested that the Trust shuld lk int buying it and it culd be used a multi functinal building including a chapel f rest. Facilities Time and again at cmmunity pen days and cnsultatin the issue f a lack f leisure facilities particularly having n swimming pl n the Island, is always raised. We are a cmmunity surrunded by the sea and with fishing as ne f the Island s cre industries yet a high percentage f Islanders can t swim. This issue needs t be addressed. We need t carry ut an in depth feasibility study lking int the pssibility f develping a cmmunity swimming pl. If this isn t feasible then we need t lk int alternatives such as swimming lessns in Lch Bhasapl r swimming trips t Oban s that the peple f Tiree dn t miss ut. Lking thrugh feedback frm cmmunity pen days and cmmunity cnsultatin, it has been suggested many times that Tiree shuld think Big and lk int building a new cmplex f buildings which culd incrprate: Sheltered Accmmdatin and health services fr the elderly and disabled Primary and Senir schl Leisure centre Café/Restaurant Cmmunity fd grwing prject Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 14

15 A prject like this culd attract funding frm varius funders and secure Tiree s cre services. Vlunteer time The input f vlunteer time n Tiree is very high, as yu will see in Theme 10. The time spent attracting funding can be time cnsuming and is usually a very lengthy prcess. Care needs t be taken with cnsultatin. We have many prjects vted fr by the cmmunity time and wrk get put in and varied funds and prjects have been implemented, run by vlunteers but nt sustainable because nce up and running they are nt supprted by the cmmunity. What can we d t slve this prblem? Cmmunity rganisatins such as Tiree Cmmunity Business, Tiree Rural Develpment Ltd and Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust have a lt f experience in applying fr funding and culd help the smaller cmmunity grups with this prcess. We need t find a crdinated apprach t applying fr funding in rder t avid duplicatin f applicatins. We have already started the prcess f cmmunity grups meetings and this shuld cntinue s that they can talk abut their prpsed prjects and ideas and this culd avid duplicatin. Recmmended Actins fr Theme One: Research what funding is available fr cmmunity prjects such as the Tiree Resurce Club prject and the Curam prject Supprt all cmmunity grups in their applicatins t funders fr their prjects (where these fit int the grwth plan) e.g. TRD extensin, TCB purchasing the Business Centre Fster a mre crdinated apprach t fundraising and prject develpment fr all cmmunity grups encurage cmmunity grup meetings t take place n a regular basis. New prjects need t be researched mre than just it s a gd idea, peple supprt it s let s d it.. We need t cnduct in depth feasibility studies fr big prjects befre they g ahead t avid utcmes like the cinema, where massive numbers wanted it and supprted it but the end result is sme screenings being cancelled and the cinema nt running at its expected ptential Carry ut an in depth feasibility study int the pssibility f develping a cmmunity swimming pl and alternatives such swimming lessns in Lch Bhasapl and swimming trips t Oban Develp an annual Festivals and events prgramme e.g. TMF, Agricultural shw Supprt vluntary led cmmittee s and grups in their fundraising effrts fr the cmmunity Lk at ways hw cmmunity prjects can be sustainable nce up and running Research viable ways t generate incme fr An Talla Research funding ptins fr repairing the Churches n the Island and a feasibility study int buying Kirkapl Church as a cmmunity asset Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 15

16 2. Crfting, Agriculture and the Envirnment Agriculture is ne f the main industries n Tiree with a thriving ecnmy and an enthusiastic yunger generatin f crfters and farmers. In a TRD study in 2004 there were 292 registered crfts and 92 peple held crfting tenancies. These supprted mre than 70 agricultural businesses which in turn supprted 59 extended families. 35% f Tiree s ecnmically active ppulatin earned part r all f their incme frm agriculture and activities relying n agriculture. All agricultural businesses n the Island are invlved, t varying degrees, in the prductin f stre beef and/r lamb that is sld t mainland buyers. The Scttish Agricultural Census in June 2010 shwed that the ttal Agricultural wrkfrce n Tiree was 170 peple. These figures shw what a large and imprtant part f Tiree s ecnmy that Agriculture is. As mentined previusly, by pening the Rural Centre in 2003, Tiree Rural Develpment (TRD) has played a huge part in cementing and prmting the future f crfting and farming n Tiree. TRD are wrking n many prjects with the main aim f benefiting crfters, lcals and visitrs alike. One f the main prjects that TRD are wrking n at the mment is the Access Prject. The aim f this prject is t prmte the imprtance f natural heritage t all and reduce access cnflicts/ natural heritage and crp damage and develp an identified lcal access strategy. The purpse f the prject is t further reduce recreatinal damage t imprtant cnservatin and agricultural grund thrugh the prmtin f the Scttish Outdr Access Cde, the Lcal Tiree Access Cde and the lcal access infrastructure present, as well as prmting the relatinship between active land-management and the wealth f natural heritage interests present n the Island. The service will als investigate new prpsals t assist in the achievement f this purpse thrugh bth land managers and the general public. As this prject develps, it is quite clear that there is a need fr an n-ging cnservatin service n the Island. Tiree s strengths and pprtunities fr the agricultural industry lie in: A strng livestck prductin industry supprted by gd land, quality livestck, excellent husbandry and the Islands mart A thriving crfting way f life with an enthusiastic yunger generatin f up and cming crfters A strng crfting cmmunity with crfts available as develpment sites Opprtunities thrugh envirnmental cnservatin schemes and land management agreements Increasing pprtunities fr diversificatin and business develpment n crfts Increasing pprtunities fr cmmunity develpment Crfting manages and enhances Tiree s uniquely imprtant habitats and wildlife, which in turn is very attractive t visitrs Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 16

17 The Crfting, Agriculture and Envirnment strategy prduced by TRD in 2004 identified the fllwing as threats and weaknesses: Changes t the subsidy system Increasing Eurpean cnstraints and cmplicated paper wrk Freight and fuel csts Difficulties fr yung crfters trying t get started Prblems f geese, drainage, ragwrt and predatrs A shrt seasn fr ptential turism develpment There is als strng pinin that infrmatin and advice with regard t pprtunities in the industry is difficult t access and that such pprtunities are becming mre cmplex r demanding t prgress. We need t lk at ways t make infrmatin frm the Crfter s Cmmissin, SNH, SAC etc mre user friendly. Recmmended Actins fr Theme Tw: Livestck Prductin Maintain the cattle numbers n the Island Cntinue t increase the value f the stck thrugh imprvement in quality and health status Ensure the amunt and quality f beef and lamb is prduced n the Island must remain the same r increase in rder t ensure the lng-term viability f the agricultural ecnmy Envirnmental Land Management Wrk with agencies t make infrmatin accessible t all wh might benefit Maintain and imprve the relatinship between the crfting cmmunity and rganisatins respnsible fr the cnservatin f the Island s natural heritage supprt TRD with cntinuing the Access prject Raise awareness f pprtunities fr land management agreements t cmpensate fr the lss f direct subsides Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 17

18 Investigate the pssibility f cmmunity land wnership Cmmunity and Twnship Develpment Raise awareness f pprtunities, and prvide supprt, fr twnship prjects Wrk in partnership t tackle lcal issues that are threatening agricultural businesses r the envirnment such as geese, ravens, ragwrt, drainage and castal ersin Diversificatin Raise awareness f pprtunities fr diversificatin and prvide supprt Increase training pprtunities and rganise inspiratinal shared experiences with ther crfting cmmunities Yung Crft Entrants Raise awareness f pprtunities fr training, diversificatin, husing, business develpment and prvide supprt Organise inspiratinal shared experiences and increase pprtunities fr land-based training Supprt and prmte the newly frmed Scttish Assciatin f Yung Farmers Club Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 18

19 3. Emplyment and Ecnmic Develpment As yu can see frm the chart abve, crfting and agriculture is the biggest industry n the Island. This is clsely fllwed by the public sectr, with 28% f the Islands ecnmically active wrking in this industry. The largest single emplyer is Argyll and Bute Cuncil wh emply 67 peple n Tiree. Due t the Crfter s Cmmissin ffice relcatin, Tiree was able t take advantage f the Scttish Executive s jb dispersal prgramme and has attracted 9 prfessinal psts t the Island. There is als an active huse building and renvatin market with a large number f cntractrs relative t the size f the ppulatin althugh in the present ecnmic climate there is a shrtage f building cntracts and cmpetitin fr tenders is high. Unemplyment n the Island is relatively lw althugh a high prprtin f jbs are lw-paid, part time and seasnal. Many hmes n Tiree have significantly lwer average husehld incmes cmpared t ther parts f Argyll. A key cmpnent in ecnmic develpment is a high quality, high speed cmmunicatins infrastructure. This is smething that is currently lacking n Tiree with sme parts f the Island nt even having access t the internet r mbile telephne cverage. An excellent cmmunicatins infrastructure is essential in the lng term viability f many businesses and future businesses n Tiree. In the HIE perating plan fr , it states that they are cmmitted t wrking t deliver access t affrdable superfast bradband thrughut [the HIE] regin. The plan ges n t say, Bradband is an enabling technlgy. That is, its imprtance stretches far beynd supprting high-technlgy businesses, imprtant as they are. Superfast bradband, capable f perfrming ten times faster than cpper wire systems, will be as imprtant as transprt infrastructure t keep ur regin accessible and ur businesses cmpetitive. All sectrs stand t benefit. This will be a never ending challenge as technlgy is cnstantly changing s we will need t be prepared t cntinually re invest and cntinuusly upgrade ur systems. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 19

20 The turism industry is based primarily n self-catering accmmdatin prvisin, tgether with a number f turism related businesses such as windsurfing, craft shps, tw htels, cafés and a campsite. A key attractin t visitrs is the Island s tranquillity, scenery and utdr activities. Turism is seen as an ecnmic grwth area, which has been significantly develped ver the past decade. A lt f wrk has been dne twards visitr guidance and this is an n-ging prcess t ensure a crdinated apprach and t imprve visitr satisfactin and t reduce ptential cnflict with ther sectrs. The fishing industry is small in scale, althugh ecnmically is very imprtant t Tiree, with 9 cmmercial fishing bats in peratin. The species caught are lbster, velvet and brwn crabs, which is sld mainly t the Spanish market. The fishing industry is buyant but the quality f crab is thught t be falling due t limited crab fishing grunds. The scpe fr expansin in the fishing industry is limited, due t limited pelagic resurces, cupled with cmpetitin frm nn-lcal bats. The strengths f Tiree s ecnmy are: There are mre self-emplyed peple per head n Tiree than in the rest f Argyll r HIE area, and nearly half f thse self-emplyed emply smene else The Grss Value Added (GVA)* cmpares with that f Argyll The ppulatin is at a level that demands a high public sectr emplyment The agriculture sectr is twice that f HIE average There is a skilled wrkfrce *Grss Value Added (GVA) is a measure f prductivity in an area and shws hw much an area cntributes t the UK ecnmy The issues and threats facing ecnmic develpment and emplyment n Tiree are: The prprtin f the ppulatin ecnmically active is belw HIE average There is a shrtage f sme key skills e.g. plumbing and electrics There is still a shrtage f prfessinal psts n the Island There is a shrtage f husing fr lcals and incming skilled and unskilled migrants The turism sectr is a significant emplyer but being seasnal, requirement fr labur is variable There is a lack f unskilled labur during term-time There is the uncertainty regarding the future f Tigh a Rudha with the ptential lss f up t 25 public sectr jbs The cst f ding business n the Island because f high fuel and transprt csts Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 20

21 Recmmended Actins fr Theme Three: Create a supprtive envirnment fr business and enterprise develpment by establishing a Business Frum t prvide the fcus fr training, advice, lcal netwrking pprtunities and cnfidence building Develp an Island wide frum s as nt t duplicate n businesses, prjects and funding and give all an equal pprtunity t flurish and keep cnflicting interests minimised Attract mre prfessinal psts t the Island Encurage yung peple in self-emplyment and raise awareness f the pprtunities available Prduce a list f enterprise pprtunities cnsidered t be viable n Tiree Establish a cmmunity run lan scheme/credit unin fr businesses and individuals Actively prmte the Island as a place t live, wrk and undertake business thrugh the prductin f an island prspectus Market the Island as a cnference lcatin Develp a niche and premium markets frm current and new prducts and services e.g. lcal beef and seafd Investigate ways t prvide year rund emplyment and less seasnal wrking Research ways t increase emplyment n the Island Cntinuus upgrading f the cmmunicatins infrastructure t enable Tiree t have an excellent cmmunicatins system Ensure Tiree wrks twards being at the frefrnt f cutting edge technlgy in rder t increase the level f jbs available n Tiree Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 21

22 4. Husing The ttal husing stck n Tiree is 522. Of these, 340 are permanently ccupied, 146 are hliday/secnd hmes and 36 are vacant (sme nw beynd being habitable). There are abut 80 husehlds n Tiree currently facing sme level f husing need *. A recent survey shwed that 9% f husehlds n Tiree have mre than ne family unit living in the same husehld. *Husing need ranges frm pr cnditin f husing (n heating fr example), thrugh t insufficient r inapprpriate husing (nt enugh bedrms fr a grwing family, fr instance) t cmplete lack f husing. The West Highland Husing Assciatins (WHHA) develpment at Scarinish, Pier View estate has helped t alleviate sme f the husing need. WHHA have prvided 16 affrdable huses fr rent and this has enabled yung, lcal families t stay and return t the Island. Thrugh cmmunity cnsultatin a lack f cnsistency with Argyll and Bute Cuncils Planning department has als been highlighted as a key issue which cntributes twards husing need. The issues facing Tiree s husing stck are: Lack f year rund affrdable husing t rent The average price f huses and plts f land has risen dramatically and lcal peple are being priced ut f the husing market Higher than average prprtin f hmes with pr husing cnditins Lack f husing suitable fr the elderly High prprtin f hliday/secnd hmes Limited access t land and grants Increasing external pressure n huse sales Many ruins n the Island but nt many are available fr sale Argyll and Bute Cuncil have prduced a Design Guide fr Tiree but many f the cmments/views expressed by the cmmunity weren t included in the guide. This needs t be revisited in rder fr the cmmunity s views t be recgnised. There is a strng pinin expressed by residents that any new husing prvisin shuld be in keeping with Tiree s envirnment and traditinal architectural heritage. Hwever, this shuld nt be at the expense f minimising living standards and shuld adhere t mdern build and safety standards and quality. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 22

23 Cnsultatin with Tiree s cmmunity identified husing as ne f the main issues that needs t be addressed if Tiree is t be successful at wrking twards a viable future. Husing is required fr yung peple, incming wrkers and grwing families. Recmmended Actins fr Theme Fur: New Affrdable Husing fr Rent Wrk in partnership with Argyll Estates and ther land wners t identify apprpriate land fr the develpment f affrdable cmmunity husing in relatin t need Negtiate a lcal lettings plicy with all landlrds assciated with Tiree t ensure lcal pririty and supprt fr essential incming and lcal wrkers Identify any empty Cuncil and NHS husing and push fr husing assciatins t take n these prperties Lw Cst Hme Ownership - Develp a cmmunity land-bank fund and wrk in partnership with Argyll Estates t acquire plts and derelict buildings t sell n t Islanders and incming wrkers with buy-back clauses t keep the huses lw-cst in the lnger term Ensure that any affrdable husing prpsed by private develpers recgnises Tiree s current husing pririty needs Husing Infrmatin, Advice and Grants Wrk with the Crfter s Cmmissin t maximise their husing grant scheme Research further husing grants available Liaise with the Cuncil and find ut hw 2 nd hmes discunt mney is being used n Tiree Pier view estate rad and facilities upgrade Rad repairs, Play area/pitch, Plytunnels Planning, Develpment and Cnstructin Wrk with Argyll and Bute Cuncil n a revised Design Guide fr the Island t ensure that the cmmunity s views are included mre fully Wrk with Argyll and Bute Cuncil t ensure their Lcal Plan reflects Tiree s develpment and husing aspiratins Supprt the Island s builders t secure an efficient and cmpetitive service thrugh active recruitment f key skills sets Develp an apprentice scheme suitable fr island-based cmpanies Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 23

24 5. Marine Resurces and Fishing Fr many years nly tw bats fished ut f Tiree, mainly fr scallps and lbsters. In 2008, the Scttish Gvernment Scttish Sea Fisheries statistics shwed that in Tiree, 13 peple were emplyed full time in the fishing industry. Tday there are 9 bats, 7 fishing ut f Miltn harbur and 2 ut f Scarinish harbur. The main catch is velvet and brwn crab and lbster which are transprted ff the island weekly by a visiting shellfish carrier and exprted fr the Spanish market. The grss value f the catch is estimated t be arund 1,450,000 annually. A pssible way frward fr the lcal fishing industry culd be direct selling f sme f the catch t the lcal industries e.g. cafes, restaurants and htels n the Island. On a small scale sme lcal fishermen d this already but culd it be enhanced and strengthened at all? A gd example f this is Lch Fyne Seafd, their business is wned and run by their emplyees; wuld a similar srt f business wrk in Tiree? The Crab shack, which pened in summer 2010, has taken the lead n this, selling lcal seafd frm the snack van t lcals and turists. Althugh Tiree is surrunded by rich fishing grunds the lack f deep water natural harburs has prevented the develpment f a majr industry. Velvet and brwn crabs are in abundance, prawn and lbster are secndary species and the Passage f Tiree is fished fr scallps. Large bats frm elsewhere use mdern techniques t remve the scallps frm the seabed and there is lcal evidence that these practices are detrimental t the seabed bidiversity. Cmmunity cnsultatin has shwn that many peple feel that upgrading and imprving f Scarinish Harbur is a pririty. Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust, Tiree Regatta Club and the Transprt Grup have all been wrking tgether t try and find a slutin and the apprpriate bdy t deal with the sewage prblem at Scarinish. It has als been suggested many times that safe mrings and a safe harbur shuld be made available in Gtt Bay. Recmmended Actins fr Theme Five: Ensure Tiree s fishing cmmunity is aware and kept infrmed f the changes facing the inshre fishing management framewrk Investigate and develp imprved facilities fr landing and packing catches at bth Miltn Harbur and Gtt Pier Investigate the pssibility f transprt cncessins fr empty shellfish transprt n CalMac ferries Investigate links with wider develpment pprtunities t share facilities and csts e.g. yacht berths, refuelling, charter bat peratins etc. Investigate the feasibility f repairing and upgrading f Scarinish Harbur, Gtt Pier Head and Miltn Harbur Cnsider pprtunities fr enhanced marketing f Tiree prducts t increase market value thrugh quality assurance liaise with Argyll fd prducers n this Cnsider pssibilities fr the direct selling f catch t the lcal market Cnsider the market fr niche and premium seafd s Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 24

25 6. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Cmmunity Turbines Since the previus Develpment Plan in 2005 a lt has been dne n Tiree with regards t renewable energy. We nw have Tilley, ur wn cmmunity 900KW Enercn E44 turbine. Tiree Renewable Energy Ltd (TREL) wh run the cmmunity turbine is whlly wned by Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust and was frmed in 2005 t take frward the idea f a cmmunity turbine prject. Tilley was fficially pened n Saturday 24 th April 2010.The vluntary directrs f TREL have wrked tirelessly, and vercme many hurdles during this time t reach this day. The turbine has nw been peratinal fr ver a year and has already generated an excellent incme stream which will benefit the cmmunity f Tiree fr the next 25 years. This incme is gift aided by TREL t Tiree Cmmunity Develpment Trust and used t supprt a variety f future cmmunity prjects thrugh the Tiree Windfall Fund. At the first rund f windfall fund grants, 13 rganisatins, grups and individuals benefited frm the first Windfall Fund grants ttalling 9,322 and these grants will benefit a great mix f prjects and activities acrss Tiree. All the applicatins had t g thrugh a rigrus review prcess and were scred accrding t specific criteria including benefits t Tiree, sustainability, value fr mney, jb creatin, benefits t the yuth f Tiree and strengthening Tiree s cultural heritage. All the applicants receiving funding have been asked t publicise the supprt they are receiving and t display a special Tilley lg. Tilley was expected t generate an incme f 5000 in the first year f peratin but has well and truly exceeded that and has generated an incme f 50,000 this year alne! There will be a further rund f windfall applicatins fr this mney later this year. As well as ur cmmunity turbine fr generating incme, many cmmunity buildings have r have applied fr planning permissin t have a turbine erected t help twards csts f running the buildings. An Talla has had its wn turbine since it pened in 2004, Tiree Rural Develpment have just had their turbine erected and Tiree Cmmunity Business and Tiree Glf Club have been given planning permissin t erect turbines fr their buildings as well. The abve shws hw we as a cmmunity are trying hard t help with carbn reductin n the Island. Pwerdwn Prject The very successful Cmmunity Pwerdwn prject ran fr tw years n Tiree thrugh TRD. During the prject it prvided tw peple with emplyment as energy advisrs. Sme f the wrk they carried ut was hme energy advice, slar panel wrkshps, hme insulatin scheme and investigating the pssibility f a cmmunity garden prject. The pwer dwn staff als wrked very clsely with the lcal recycling grup TEAR. Unfrtunately the prject Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 25

26 was unsuccessful in getting funding thrugh the climate challenge tw funding but we shuld lk at ther funding ptins in rder fr this type f prject t cntinue. TEAR Waste Reductin and Recycling TEAR (Tiree Envirnmental Actin and Recycling) is a cnstituted cmmunity grup. The cmmittee meets fur times per year and wrks twards the bjectives f reducing the amunt f waste sent t landfill and investigating pprtunities t increase the sustainable management f waste n Tiree. TEAR is always n the lk ut fr new cmmittee members t attend the quarterly meetings. TEAR has a gd wrking relatinship with Argyll and Bute Cuncil, the GRAB Trust and Cll cmmunity recycling initiatives. Past TEAR prjects include: Agricultural plastics recycling Textile recycling A master cmpster training prgramme Raising awareness f waste reductin facilities and services. Future pririties fr TEAR include: Cntinuing t hst and manage textile recycling banks and the distributin f the revenue this creates Increasing the range f public recycling facilities Investigatin crushing and use f waste glass n the Island Prmting the principle f freecycle Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 26

27 Recmmended Actins fr Theme Six: Investigate pssible funding in rder t emply a Renewable Energy Prject Officer (similar t the rle f the Pwerdwn fficers) Cntinue with cmmunity cnsultatin n the best way that the Windfall grants shuld be distributed Supprt the Pre-5 Garden prject Supprt TEAR in the delivery f their future prjects Investigate ther incme generating cmmunity renewable energy prjects Undertake a prgramme f awareness and understanding t prmte the imprtance, value and savings ffered by renewable energy and energy efficiency measures Investigate the pssibility f an electric car which culd be used by varius different cmmunity grups Investigate pssible plts and funding t set up a cmmunity garden prject this wuld help us reduce fd miles and ur carbn ftprint Undertake an exercise t determine Tiree s sustainability ftprint* Aim t be a carbn neutral island by 2025** *A sustainability ftprint is the amunt f air, land and water that is required t prvide us with the resurces we use (including clthing, fd, transprt, furniture, electricity) and t absrb the waste we prduce (including air pllutin, sewage, rubbish), cmpared t what can be used n a lng-term sustainable basis. If a cmmunity uses mre than it can sustain, effrt is required t reduce the balance ** Being carbn neutral is the pint at which the amunt f carbn dixide prduced by the cmmunity is equal t the amunt being remved. Fr peple and rganisatins, becming carbn neutral is usually achieved by implementing renewable energy prjects that ffset the amunt f carbn dixide emissins. A carbn neutral prgramme invlves assessments f carbn emissins, reductins f emissins at surce, and ffset f unavidable emissins Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 27

28 7. Turism Tiree s attractin as turist destinatin is the islands natural heritage it s white sandy beaches, diverse flra and fauna, machair, scenery, architecture and it s gaelic culture and the perceptin that it is a friendly, peaceful and safe destinatin with a relaxed pace and way f life. An imprtant niche als exists fr adventure sprts and ancestral interest. Visitr numbers n Tiree has risen frm 10,000 annually in 2000 t 19,000 in annually in In recent years there has been a 5-10% grwth in turism n Tiree per annum. Accmmdatin n the Island is full mst f the summer with many self-catering huses having repeat bkings tw t three years in advance. Discver Tiree has endeavured t prvide a visitr infrmatin service available t enquirers n and ff the Island. They have a dedicated website ( which gets abut 90,000 hits a year and this demnstrates just hw infrmative the website is fr visitrs t Tiree. Currently 90% f enquirers lking fr accmmdatin use this website. Over the years Discver Tiree has prduced full clur leaflets prviding infrmatin abut many aspects f the island as well as a netwrk f infrmatin tuchscreens at varius key pints n Tiree. Discver Tiree, TRD and TCDT have wrked in partnership t prvide the very successful Turist Infrmatin Pint at the Rural centre. The infrmatin pint has prvided tw jbs n the Island. Current Prjects that Discver Tiree are wrking n: Infrmatin Tuchscreens They are currently updating the infrmatin n the tuchscreens. The screens will be re-frmatted t be stand alne units giving infrmatin which is nt time sensitive. They will be updated with new infrmatin every 4 mnths. Interpretatin and Skyline panels With permissin f Argyll Estates they are currently designing a series f interpretive panels which will be lcated by the apprved car parks which have been develped ver the past few years. The panels will be infrmative and their aim will be t encurage visitrs t respect and care fr the machair. There will be things fr children t see and d. In additin, there will be a prfile panrama helping flk t identify distant Islands, hills and muntains. I Spy Bk Discver Tiree s intentin is t prduce an I Spy Bk fr children that will help them t identify and find ut abut things they will see during their hliday n Tiree. Its aim is t encurage children t lk mre carefully at the things arund them and t help them t understand hw t cnserve and prtect the Island envirnment. Island Walks This is a lng term prject. They hpe t prduce a number f illustrated sheets giving details f walks which have been traditinally used t reach pints f interest, identified as cre paths r created by crfters fr access t beaches. Tiree Cmmunity Grwth Plan August LMK (LDO) 28