Community-Led Local Development Fund distributes over £900k to support projects in Highland

2nd July 2025

The Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG) met in June 2025 and considered and agreed funding for 28 projects submitted to the Community-Led Local Development fund (CLLD), which makes up part of The Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) programme.

CRF is an umbrella term used to cover multiple external funding programmes administered by The Highland Council. Decisions on which projects are to receive CLLD funding are taken by the Highland Strategic Local Action Group. This decision-making group is made up of third sector representatives, public agencies, and private organisations.

Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: "It is the fourth year in a row that we have been successful in securing a large allocation of CLLD funding from the Scottish Government. This funding is essential to support grass roots economic regeneration, allowing communities to grow and develop new opportunities."

"We welcome the continued investment by the Scottish Government in our rural communities and are proud to support community groups and witness the significant and lasting impact these projects have across the Highlands.

"I wish everyone working hard to turn their plans into reality all the very best."

The CLLD Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting grassroots initiatives that foster resilience, inclusivity, and innovation in rural communities. From Caithness down to Lochaber, the funding will empower local groups and organisations to deliver impactful projects tailored to the unique needs of their communities. These include feasibility studies, building renovations, renewable energy installations, youth services, and community transport programmes.

This follows on from a successful 2024/25 CLLD round where over £1.4 million was allocated to 52 community groups across the Highlands. Across Highland, the overall social return on investment for the 2024/25 CLLD round was £3.46 for every £1 of funding invested. In total projects spent returned a social value of £6,065,874.

The Dornoch Area Community Interest Company
The Dornoch Community Transport Project
£36,861.00

Lochview Rural Training Centre
Land Based Training Equipment
£12,954.00

Fearn Amenities SCIO
Groundworks At Fearn Pavillion
£14,685.00

Edinbane Community Company
Edinbane Shop Technical Design
£15,000.00

Linnhe Leisure
Sound & Lighting
£83,331.97

Lochaber Hope
New Connections
£11,439.52

Poolewe and District Swimming Pool association
Sustain the Pool
£21,000.00

Wick Community Hub
Sensory Room Space
£30,000.00

Farmer Jones Academy c.i.c
Gro For You, Community Innovation Campus Sensory Dome and Play Equipment
£57,000.00

Rosemarkie Amenities Association (RAA)
Upgrading of Rosemarkie Promenade
£35,357.00

Dornie & District Community Trust
Dornie Hub
£31,329.84

Mallaig & Morar Community Centre Association
Energy Efficiency Improvements
£2,961.99

Arisaig Community Trust
Playpark Project
£22,343.32

Evanton Community Cinema
Evanton Community Cinema Equipment Purchase and Installation
£32,201.20

Wick Development Trust
Phase 3.2 - Riverside Path Upgrade & Motorhome Waste Service Station
£52,329.24

Mallaig Pool & Leisure
Upgrade of Gym and Sauna
£100,000.00

Dementia Friendly Communities Ltd
Dinner To Your Door Delivery Vehicle
£27,279.00

Ormlie Community Association Ltd
New Meeting Room & Services
£6,694.00

North Kessock Village Hall
North Kessock Village Hall Renovation
£17,000.00

Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust (IEHT)
Accessing Eigg: New Signage and Trails for Connecting People with Nature
£9,945.00

Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust (IEHT)
Net Zero Housing - Phase 2 (NZH-2)
£76,596.00

Go Golspie Development Trust
New Electric Community Car
£34,369.00

Farr North Community Development Trust
Community Transport - Farr Goes

£17,664.00

Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust
Glenelg Playpark
£27,077.00

Fox & Friends Highland
Disabled Friendly Bathroom
£38,000.00

Sutherland Resilience Initiative
Community Transport
£57,260.00

Applecross Community Company
Sustainable Living in Applecross: Affordable Housing Project
£44,600.00

The Place Youth Club
Disabled Access Project
£50,000.00