There’s lots happening across SCC projects this month! Find out more below and visit our website (sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk) and social media for regular updates.
Dualchas Open Day
Dualchas are hosting an open day at the former Strontian Church, offering a chance for the community to step inside the building and hear more about plans to transform it into a heritage centre.
Visitors can explore the space, learn about the vision for its future, and view an exhibition showcasing the history of the building alongside other local heritage items. It’s a great opportunity to find out more about this important community project and how it’s developing.
Sunart Community Benefit Fund – Spring Round
The Spring round of the Sunart Community Benefit Fund is now open, supporting projects that benefit people living in the Sunart area.
If your group has an idea or initiative that could make a positive impact locally, we’d encourage you to apply.
Deadline: 3rd April
Find out more and download an application form at:
www.sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk
or email enquiries@sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk
Join Our Board
We’re looking for new voluntary Directors to join the SCC Board. You don’t need formal experience – just an interest in your community and a willingness to get involved.
This is a chance to help shape local community projects and be part of a friendly team making a real difference across Sunart.
If you’d like to find out more, email enquiries@sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk for an informal chat.
Become a Member
Membership of Sunart Community Company is free and open to local residents. By joining, you help strengthen our voice and play a part in shaping future projects.
Join online:
www.sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk/join-us
Craft Hub & Men’s Shed
SCC continues to build momentum at the Craft Hub and Men’s Shed, with exciting developments both in Strontian and at the newly acquired Polloch site.
Thanks to a successful Community Regeneration Fund bid, improvements are underway at the Hub, including roof upgrades, a new outdoor gazebo and raised beds for upcoming “Learning to Grow” sessions.
Workshops delivered in partnership with Urram have been a great success, bringing people together to get creative, learn new skills and connect.
The space is open for community use. If you’d like to share a skill or run a session, get in touch with Annie at crafthub@sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help with finishing works and outdoor improvements, please get in touch if you can lend a hand.
Longrigg Community Woodland
Harvesting at Longrigg continues to make good progress, with significant changes now visible across the site. This marks an important stage in the development of this community-owned woodland.
- Safety Reminder:
The site remains a no-go area while harvesting is ongoing. Heavy machinery is in operation and it is not safe to enter. Please follow all signage and avoid the area until works are complete. - Firewood:
We’re currently offering lorry loads of timber, with smaller quantities planned – but we can only retain wood for community use if there is confirmed demand.
If you think you may want timber now or later, please contact Craig as soon as possible. A batch of durable larch timber will also soon be available in 6 metre lengths, get in touch early to secure some.
- Have Your Say:
We are developing a new Woodland Management Plan and would like to hear from the community. The survey takes around 15 minutes and will help shape how the woodland is managed in the future.
Access the survey here: https://sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk/longrigg-woodland-loch-sunart
Well done to Caitlin Hilder!
Caitlin ran the Liverpool Half Marathon on 15th March, raising an amazing £1,220 (and counting!) for the Strontian Playpark Renovation Fund
Her efforts are helping to replace ageing equipment and create a safe, welcoming space for local children and visiting families.
It’s not too late to support her efforts: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/caitlin-hilder-1
Oakwood Reopening Soon
Oakwood will reopen on Friday 3rd April, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back.
As a community-run shop and visitor information point, Oakwood supports local makers and artists from across the peninsula. Every purchase helps support community projects as well as local producers.
We’re always keen to hear from new crafters or anyone interested in volunteering.
Get in touch: oakwood@sunartcommunitycompany.co.uk
Sunart Rainforest Project
Work continues across the Sunart Rainforest Project, with rhododendron control progressing, drone surveys nearing completion and plans underway for a new community growing space in Strontian.
With both major funding streams coming to an end, the team is now focusing on final reporting and exploring longer-term funding to build on the progress made so far.