Plans for Stromness Community Centre to be run by community leap forward

Long held aspirations by the Stromness Community Development Trust to take over the Stromness Community Centre on behalf of the town’s residents have leapt ahead in recent weeks – thanks to a package of support by Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish Land Fund.  
   
In October this year, Councillors agreed in principle to sell the facility to the Stromness Community Development Trust (SCDT) and provide a programme of financial support over the next five years - an important stepping stone towards attracting outside funding.  
    
On Friday (6 December 2024) the Trust shared the announcement that Scottish Land Fund will fund the purchase price – meaning another piece of the puzzle has fallen into place.   
    
The Council’s Asset Management Sub Committee has been working with the SCDT since 2023 to consider the transfer of the property to the Trust, including financial support for the transition over the next five years, using the Council’s established year on year budget for operating the centre.
   
Councillor Sandy Cowie, who chairs the sub-committee, said: “Some people may wonder why we’re not holding onto ownership of the building on behalf of the community.   
   
“The fact is that organisations like Development Trusts can access a wider range of funding sources than we can as a Council – so moves like this can be a pragmatic way of protecting and improving facilities for communities, while also enabling more community control.    
  
“Combined with our own support, today’s funding announcement by the Scottish Land Fund is a significant milestone for the Stromness community – and I’m pleased of the role we’ve played in paving the way for a sustainable future for this much loved facility in the heart of Stromness.   
    
“I’d congratulate the Stromness community for their determination in working with the Council on such a significant proposal, which shows the wider Orkney community what is possible. 

"It also demonstrates the role a development officer can play in helping progress community aspirations.   
    
“There remains however much work to be done – while we’re fully behind the Trust and hopeful things will come together for them, it could take several months before a sale is finalised.   
   
“Meantime folks will continue to see the same services at the Centre.”   
 
Stromness Community Development Trust says the Stromness Community Centre (SCC) project has been deeply embedded in the fabric of the local community from its inception. It was first identified as a priority by the community during the 'What’s Next for Stromness' consultation in 2019, a process designed to understand and prioritise the town's future development needs. This input was integral to the creation of the Stromness Place Plan, formally adopted in 2020, highlighting the community's desire to see the Centre evolve. 

Kris Bevan, Chair, Stromness Community Development Trust, said: “Stromness Community Development Trust is delighted to have secured a Scottish Land Fund grant to purchase Stromness Community Centre. The community centre is a vital asset for a range of community groups.  We want to develop and improve the centre to provide a fit for purpose facility which will support existing Community Centre users as well as welcome new users, activities and events.”
  
Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair said: “By providing funding that is targeted directly at local needs, the Scottish Land Fund is helping both urban and rural communities to flourish. The groups involved have developed strategic goals and clear ambitions about how these assets will help their localities to thrive.” 

The Scottish Land Fund programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets for over a decade. 
 
The Scottish Land Fund reopened to applications in April 2016. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, both of which have extensive experience of helping communities to acquire and develop their assets. The SLF Committee was appointed following the normal procedures for public appointments. 
 
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes lottery funding to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. It also uses its expertise in grant-giving to distribute non-Lottery funding. Full details of the National Lottery Community Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk. National Lottery Community Fund Public Enquiries Line call: 0300 123 7110 

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) delivers the Scottish Government Economic Strategy across more than half of Scotland - from Shetland to Argyll and from the Hebrides to Moray. It aims to support businesses and social enterprises; strengthen communities and fragile areas; develop key sectors, and create the conditions for a competitive and low carbon region. HIE has an annual budget of more than £75 m and employs around 300 people in locations around the Highlands and Islands. See more at www.hie.co.uk