From setbacks to success: Supporting Scottish Land Fund applicants

Pictured: Solas Eige SCIO

Community ownership is driven by people with the vision to imagine a different future and the determination to pursue it, even when the path is challenging.

As the Scottish Land Fund turns 25, we're celebrating the communities whose determination has carried them through journeys to community ownership that were far from straightforward. We've been privileged to work alongside many of them, helping them overcome hurdles and turn their ambitions into reality.

In this blog, we explore two projects that faced early setbacks but, with the right practical support, were able to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to strengthen their plans and secure Scottish Land Fund funding.

Glenuig Community Inn

“Our advisor acted as a pathfinder for us… We would still be trying to navigate our way if it weren’t for this support” - Glenuig Community Inn

When Glenuig Inn was put up for sale on the open market, local people recognised an opportunity to bring the much-loved building into community ownership and create a hub that could support wider local regeneration. Although the group had a clear vision for the future of the inn, their journey to ownership was not without its challenges and their first application to the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) was unsuccessful.

To help the group move forward, we worked closely with them to understand the feedback on their initial application and identify where their plans needed further development. Before reapplying to the Scottish Land Fund, the group needed to strengthen their understanding of running an inn in a remote location, build local momentum and gather robust evidence of community support.

We provided advice and practical support to help the group develop a fit-for-purpose business plan, recruit key staff and connect with other support services. We also supported the launch of their community share offer, helping to turn their ambitions into a clear and achievable plan.

As a result, the community successfully reached its £300,000 community share offer target, unlocking match funding from the Scottish Land Fund and enabling the purchase of the inn.

Today, Glenuig Inn supports hospitality, tourism and creative industries, provides training opportunities for young people and creates income for local suppliers. It has also helped inspire wider community initiatives, demonstrating how an initial funding setback need not define a project's future.

Solas Eige SCIO

"We would not have succeeded in our crowdfunder fundraiser without the invaluable help and support provided by the Accelerate Programme!" – Solas Eige

On the Isle of Eigg, Solas Eige SCIO wanted to bring a historic church into community ownership as Ionad Solas Eige – the Solas Eige Centre. Having already run exhibitions there, the charity could see the building's potential as a lasting resource for the community.

The group’s initial Scottish Land Fund application was unsuccessful, and to maximise the chances of success with another application, they needed to demonstrate the strength of community backing and their ability to turn that support into additional fundraising.

Our marketing advisor, Margot, advised and guided Solas Eige through a website build, development of a crowdfunding campaign, and establishment of supporter networks and social media channels. These channels helped promote a raffle through a crowdfunding platform, raising £6,400 from more than 200 supporters.

The work gave the group practical knowledge they could draw on beyond the campaign: which digital channels reached people, which messages resonated and what resources future fundraising would require.

Following their fundraising success, Solas Eige reapplied to the Scottish Land Fund and secured £92,703 to buy and redevelop the church. Since then, the group has attracted further funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Pilgrim Trust.

Today, the space is a growing community asset which is continuing to develop whilst welcoming people through its doors for exhibitions and community activities.

The right support to realise your community ownership ambitions

Glenuig Community Inn and Solas Eige SCIO show what's possible when community commitment is matched with the right practical support. An unsuccessful funding application doesn't have to be the end of the road. With time to strengthen a project, and the right advice and support to address any gaps, communities can build stronger plans and find a way forward.

If you're thinking about community ownership, have been awarded Stage 1 Scottish Land Fund funding and are looking for additional support to develop your plans, or are working out what comes next after an unsuccessful application, get in touch with us.

With 40 years of experience to draw on, our friendly team of specialists can help you understand your options, identify your next steps and put practical support in place. We offer flexible support shaped around your needs, helping you move forward in a way that works for you.