GADT - Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust
In April 2004, Glenelg and Arnisdale were designated as an area under Initiative at the Edge by the Scottish Executive
This was a Scottish Executive approach to establish community-led Trusts to carry forward agreed projects that would hopefully receive sympathetic consideration for funding.
The Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, on 29 November 2004, some 8 months after gaining Initiative at the Edge (IatE) status. The Trust is also a registered Scottish charity. IatE status was extended to 31 March.
Our main partner agencies are the Scottish Government, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, Community Energy Scotland, the Crofters Commission and Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association. These partners provide essential funding on an annual basis.
Glenelg and Arnisdale share many of the assets and challenges of all peninsular and island communities on the west coast of Scotland. It extends to an area of approximately 90 square miles and has a scattered population, many of these in the immediate area around Glenelg, but also in the communities of Arnisdale and Corran.
It is geographically isolated, with clear boundaries, giving a strong sense of identity. It is a small community, having approximately 250 permanent residents of which around 70 residents are below voting age. The village school currently has about 50 pupils and there are 20 or so youngsters who attend Plockton Secondary School. The Trust has in excess of 165 members.
Demographically the future presents a major challenge. Firstly, to provide a secure future for our growing primary and secondary school roll, and secondly, at the other end of the spectrum, the elderly population now represents 35% of the overall community.
We are a small community but we have an inn, a shop, a community hall with public toilets, resident GPs, a health clinic, churches, a seasonal ferry service to Skye and a bus service to Kyle and Broadford.
Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust’s directors operate within the guidelines set out in the Trust’s Development Plan. This Plan embodies the Trust’s aims and aspirations, namely, that “The Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust seeks to develop the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of our community by harnessing the quality of our resources, people, and environment”.