South Islay Development
South Islay Development
South Islay Development (SID) were established in 2012 providing a range of development opportunities and services for the residents of South Islay and beyond. To date they have established a Filling Station, Motorhome Service Point, improvements to the Port Ellen harbour for visiting boats, a variety of studies exploring further community asset development and an excellent response to co-ordinating the Covid19 response across the whole island.
Imagery curtesy of SID
Port Ellen Playing Fields Pavilion
The project plans to breathe new life into this much-loved community space by replacing the old Pavilion building with a new Pavilion encompassing a café, multi-use community function rooms, business and community storage spaces, as well as office space for local organisations and SID. New parking and an access road are part of the plan, as is the relocation of the playpark from the current site closer to the new Pavilion, and the expansion of the existing motorhome site. CLS carried out the initial Business Plan and Feasibility Study and assisted SID access a £746, 233 grant from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital fund which alongside other fundraising has established a £1.4 million project to revitalise Port Ellen Playing Fields in South Islay.
The new Pavilion will provide a much-needed community facility for the South of Islay, and indeed the island as a whole. Port Ellen has lost a number of its community facilities in recent times and the new building will provide a thriving facility for all ages, groups and clubs to come together in a welcoming and pleasant environment.
Port Ellen Playing Fields
CAD Pavilion model
Recent Progress as of June 2024
Ardbeg All Islay Fund
South Islay Development is working in partnership with Ardbeg Distillery to identify and fund projects the length and breadth of Islay over the next 5 years. A £1 million fund, the Ardbeg All Islay Fund, has been established following the sale of a rare Ardbeg 1975 cask sold to a private investor for £16m. The fund benefits organisations, projects, and enterprising activities across Islay, with grants available to not-for-profit groups working to benefit and enhance the local community.
How did we Help?
CLS worked with SID to establish this new community fund assisting with guidance preparation, questionnaire layout and delivery. For the past two years CLS have also been a member of the approvals committee which meets three times each year to appraise and approve individual applications, alongside two SID directors, six members of the community and a Glenmorangie Company director.
SONAS Childcare
Sonas Childcare will provide a nursery facility for children aged between 0 – 5 years living on Islay and Jura. Sonas Childcare is a registered Scottish Charitable
Incorporated Organisation and aims to support families living on Islay and Jura by providing attainable childcare which will enable parents to take up employment helping to reduce financial hardship as well as promoting social inclusion and reducing rural isolation. CLS carried out a Business Plan investigating the possibility of re using the existing Ramsay Hall located within Part Ellen playing fields. Work is ow progressing to identify revenue and capital funding to take the project forward.
