Arisaig Community Trust
Crisis Recovery support for Arisaig Community Trust
"My knowledge of the network of people and support out there is much more limited than Victoria’s – she was able to tap into so many more people. It was reassuring to know that there was somebody that had my back, who understood where we were, who was committed to doing whatever they could to help.
Even just having someone to talk through things, almost like a therapy session, was so helpful for me.”
- Anne Widdop, Chair of Arisaig Community Trust
Background
Arisaig Community Trust has been at the heart of village life since 2009, improving community facilities and enriching the lives of local people. From affordable housing and local amenities to heritage and green space, the Trust plays a vital role in supporting a thriving and resilient community.
In 2025, Arisaig Community Trust faced a serious financial crisis. The organisation had planned to generate income through the sale of three plots of land, but the process was delayed for years due to a Rural Housing Burden, a legal condition applied to land titles to help keep homes affordable for local people, which can also complicate and delay sales.
For the Trust, the delay created a significant cash flow risk. Although they were confident the issue would eventually be resolved, the uncertainty was overwhelming. A process they had expected to take months had turned into years, leaving the organisation facing the possibility of having no money in the bank.
How we helped
Through the Crisis Recovery service, Arisaig Community Trust were connected with our Crisis and Resilience Lead Victoria, who quickly became a vital source of support.
The Trust needed around £10,000 to manage the cash flow risk while the legal issue was being resolved.
We supported ACT to identify potential funding options and connect with organisations that could help the Trust through the uncertain period. As part of this, additional support was also provided by DTAS' Resilience and Recovery Programme, reflecting the collaborative approach that underpins how we work with organisations facing complex challenges. This practical support helped the Trust move quickly and feel less isolated while navigating a complex and stressful situation.
The result
At its most critical point, Arisaig Community Trust was at risk of folding. This could have meant the loss of vital community assets, including six affordable homes, a playpark and playing field, village parking, a community orchard, community toilets, and a local heritage centre and museum.
With support from our Crisis Recovery service, the Trust was able to continue operating, complete the land sales and move through the immediate crisis with confidence. The experience also strengthened Anne’s understanding of the wider support network available to community organisations.
Today, the Trust is in a much stronger position and remains focused on investing in the village, protecting local assets and supporting the long-term future of the community.
Crisis Recovery service
If you're concerned about your organisation's sustainability,
please contact our Crisis Recovery service today
and a member of our team will get in touch as soon as possible.