Community Enterprise in Rural and Island Scotland

Community Enterprise supports the development and sustainability of rural and island communities across Scotland.

This case study film features three community groups from across rural and island Scotland and shows how each group has managed to support development of their projects utilising a range of support, including Community Led Local Development (CLLD) funding (part of the Scottish Government’s Rural Development Programme) and specialist support from organisations such as Plunkett UK to develop sustainable business models.

• Tarland Development Group received £100,000 in CLLD funding to build mountain bike trails and shared use paths to attract visitors to their area, driving spending with local businesses and services.
• The Old Forge Community Benefit Society took advantage of support from the Scottish Rural Network funded Rural and Island Community Pub Network delivered through Plunkett UK, to undertake a community buyout of their local pub.
• Little Peru in South Ayrshire received CLLD funding of £12,506 to expand their eco-tourism business, creating local employment opportunities and driving visitors to the area who in turn spent money in local business and attractions. The funding also enabled the placing of a defibrillator on the site, helping to support health needs for visitors and locals alike.

This case study is the second in a series of case studies focusing on community led local development and community led enterprise.