The Islands of Lismore, Tiree and Mull will benefit from nearly £1 million in funding from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme.
Supported by Argyll and Bute Council funding has been secured for Lismore Community Trust, Tiree Rural Development (TRD) and South West Mull and Iona Development (SWMID) to deliver affordable housing, an island vet facility and a marine enterprise hub.
The Islands Programme is a competitive grant fund administered by Scottish Futures Trust on behalf of the Scottish Government for capital projects on inhabited islands across Scotland in 2026/27. The fund focuses on projects which support population retention and growth.
Lismore Community Trust was awarded £272,506 for Achnacroish Affordable Homes. The project will deliver two community-owned, affordable family homes, bringing an energy-efficient, high-quality rental option to the local housing stock. This will allow two families to start or continue living on Lismore and protect the island’s population.
These three-bedroom, semi-detached homes, located within the Achnacroish settlement will be within walking distance of Lismore primary school and the ferry to Oban, and feature Southeast-facing seafront gardens with superb views. Completion is anticipated for July 2027. The Islands Programme award is conditional upon Lismore Community Trust's application to the Rural and Islands Housing Fund (RIHF) being successful.
TRD was awarded £302,949 for its Sustaining Tiree’s Crofting Community, a project to set up a permanent veterinary facility in Tiree. The island relies on traditional crofting to sustain both the population of Tiree and its traditional culture and vet services are a necessity to that. The project will involve converting a disused part of the Tiree Rural Centre into permanent surgery premises, with completion anticipated for May 2027.
SWMID will receive £345,500 to transform Bendoran from a boatyard into a year-round Marine Hub, supporting local jobs, skills, enterprise, community use and providing a stronger welcome for visitors arriving by sea or road. Project completion is anticipated for August 2027.
Bendoran Marine Enterprise Hub will comprise of three high-quality prefabricated units within the existing Bendoran boatyard and create more than 100 sqm of space to provide
- A retail unit showcasing local and marine products;
- A multiuse building providing shared workspace and a Marine Engagement Centre providing training, community activity and visitor engagement opportunities; and
- A boathouse/marine support unit supporting maintenance activities.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been successful once again in securing a substantial amount of funding for island communities. The creativity the projects have shown in identifying and solving issues that will make a practical difference within their communities is exemplary. The projects are very different but will all have a significant impact on supporting the population. I look forward to seeing them develop.”
