Scottish Governments Islands Programme 2025
Today South Skye Community Campus has been awarded £327,323 by the Scottish Government’s Island’s Programme thus completing a funding package that will see the development of a community owned and managed all-weather pitch. The Island’s Programme award completes the “funding jigsaw” that also includes The Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund, sportscotland, Developer contributions, Broadford Youth Club, Sleat and Strath AFC, Mackinnon Society USA and the COOP alongside community fundraising.
When discussions first began over ten years ago on what might be achieved and the South Skye community started progressing “one of the most ambitious projects on the west coast” we could never quite believe that we would get to this stage. We are undoubtedly only at this stage due to the support and partnership working from Kate Forbes MSP, Councillor John Finlayson and officers at the Highland Council, Broadford Primary Parent Council, Broadford Primary School, Broadford and Strath Community Company, Broadford and Strath Community Council, Sleat and Strath AFC and many other groups and individuals who have given hours of time and energy to this transformational project.
However, this is just the start for South Skye Community Campus. There are four planned phases with the development of changing rooms / gym / multi use space, a Bike Pump Track, renovation of the Broadford Village Hall and upgrading of the play park and carpark. There is still a lot of work to do but for now the communities in South Skye are celebrating this significant, and desperately needed, investment in our area.
Shirley Grant, Chairperson of South Skye Community Campus, said:
“We are just delighted to get this final bit of funding to deliver phase one of the South Skye Community Campus – our new all-weather pitch. This support will open the door to new sports and activities in South Skye allowing groups the opportunity to grow and develop whilst supporting health and wellbeing. It is important to acknowledge that impact goes beyond sporting opportunities. The development of the South Skye Community Campus is testament to the ability and determination of volunteers and shows what can be achieved when we work effectively with local and national government. Phase one is just the start and we cannot wait to see the all-weather pitch up and running and being enjoyed by the South Skye community.”
John Finlayson, Elected Member, Eilean a Cheo:
“I am so pleased to hear more positive news regarding funding to support the development of the new community owned sports pitch at Broadford which will complement the other good news regarding the building of a new school in the village. All the stake holders who have worked tirelessly to see this project become a reality should be congratulated on their endeavours and I personally, supported by Highland Council officers, was happy to work with the dedicated teams at Broadford & Strath Community Company and the South Skye Community Campus Group, to help them achieve their ambitions which will offer fantastic new opportunities to the people of South Skye and Lochalsh.'”
Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive – sportscotland:
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “We know the sport sector is facing many challenges so to see this level of investment in the South Skye Community Campus is very encouraging. Everyone involved in the project has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that more people in Skye will have an opportunity to become physically active and connected to their local community.”
Kate Forbes, MSP, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch:
“This is tremendous news. Securing all of this funding is a pivotal milestone for the community and a testament to their hard work. When I first got involved almost a decade ago, nobody really believed that we could deliver a new school and facilities for young people at this scale. Although it has taken many years to get here, it has been worth every moment. As I step down at next May’s election, I look back and feel incredibly proud of helping to deliver facilities like this for Skye, especially for the next generation.”