South Skye Community Campus – Sport Scotland funding award
The volunteer run South Skye Community Campus SCIO, have been focussed on developing new and improved sport, creative and recreational facilities for South Skye and the surrounding areas. The South Skye area is growing quickly with a new hospital, major aquaculture developments, housing and a new school due to be completed in 2026. Despite these developments the area is lacking essential facilities to support health and wellbeing but with a funding kick start from Sports Scotland this is about to change.
South Skye Community Campus have just been awarded £150,000 from Sports Scotland which will support the development of a full-size all-weather astro pitch, fencing and floodlights which is phase one of the SSCC’s masterplan. This development will allow for a surge in sporting opportunities in the area, reducing the need for many to travel long distances to appropriate facilities. The SSCC plans have the potential to contribute towards a huge increase in sports participation in the area, along with improving other areas of the island’s sporting infrastructure such and coach and volunteer development.
The phase one all-weather astro pitch project will cost in the region of £850,000. SSCC currently have over £150,000 of funds secured thanks to donations from Sleat and Strath AFC, Broadford Youth Club, Mackinnon Society and developer contributions.
The £150,000 awarded by Sports Scotland is the all-important funding catalyst for this desperately needed all-weather astro pitch showing a confidence in the project and providing direct support for health and wellbeing in South Skye.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said:
“The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.
“We are facing challenging times with significant financial pressures at all levels. But thanks to the continued commitment of our local partners, projects like this one in Skye means more people will have an opportunity to become physically active and feel part of their local community.”
Shirley Grant, Chair of South Skye Community Campus, said:
“This funding award from Sport Scotland is a crucial first step for the South Skye Community Campus’ development plans for sports and recreational facilities in South Skye.
“It is also recognition from an external funder of the huge need for investment in sporting facilities here in South Skye. The population of South Skye could expand exponentially in the next few years and we are delighted to have a funder that recognises the need for essential infrastructure to support the health and wellbeing of our local and visiting communities.”
John Finlayson, Councillor, Eilean a’ Cheo Ward
“I am delighted to hear about this award from Sport Scotland which will support the ambitions of South Skye Community Campus and wider communities across South Skye and Lochalsh. As someone who has seen how hard the community has worked over the last 8 years to develop sporting facilities and with the Highland Council, supported by the Scottish Government, building a new primary school in Broadford, which is due to open in 2026, now is the right time to create the sporting facilities that are so badly needed. I congratulate the local community for achieving what they have to date, and I look forward to working with them to ensure that the new pitch which will be of huge value to people of all ages, becomes a reality sooner rather than later.”
Kate Forbes, MSP
“I am over the moon about the allocation of funding from Sport Scotland to South Skye. I have supported the community over the last few years to secure funding for new leisure facilities, and this is a critical milestone.”