Sleat Community Trust

Welcome to Sleat Community Trust

Who we are

Sleat Community Trust (SCT) was formed in 2003 to support sustainable economic, environmental and social development in the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. The area has been one of the fastest-growing rural areas of Scotland, with extensive community and educational developments and a lively and growing population. The Trust has nearly 500 individual members, with over 40 people being involved in the various groups. Over 70 per cent of the local population are members of the Trust.

The principal objectives of the Trust are to promote the area for the benefit of the inhabitants. This includes areas such as education, renewable energy, housing, leisure, tourism and social facilities, development of local businesses and the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. SCT operates two wholly-owned commercial subsidiaries: Sleat Community Trading Company Limited and Sleat Renewables Limited.

In 2011 following an external review of the Trust's activities, a new mission statement was adopted:

‘Sleat Community Trust aspires to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Sleat peninsula through supporting economic development and maintaining the high quality environment.’

In 2011 Sleat Community Trust was honoured to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups for outstanding work in local communities.

What we do

The objectives of Sleat Community Trust are to:

• Communicate clearly and regularly with our membership and the community
• Identify the key developments which will make Sleat an even better place to live
• Maximise the community benefit from renewal energy products, including forestry and wind-power
• Promote the further development of tourism in Sleat, and preserving the natural environment
• Secure the maximum amount of external funding to achieve some or all of the business plan objectives, avoiding any conflicts with the traditional roles of the Highland and Community Councils
• Makes use of all public/private association resources, for advice, support, funding and specialist expertise

What we have done

The achievements of Sleat Community Trust vary from asset ownership to developing renewable energy sources.

Sleat Renewables Limited (SRL) was established in 2007 with the aim of taking forward a number of renewable energy projects with the aim to benefit the community. The current principal project of SRL is the commercial development of the Tormore Forest, a 400ha (almost 1000 acres) mature forest purchased from the Forestry Commission in 2011, with significant financial support from a number of sources.

In 2007, the also trust purchased its first asset, The Skye Ferry Filling Station, and established the Sleat Community Trading Company to manage this.

During 2020-2021 the Trust has gone on to redevelop this site with a new shop building and refurbished Faoillin Cottage. This has made way for an improved service for the community through the petrol station, larger shop which includes the local Post Office, as well as providing a tourist information facility with a social space and offices for its staff. The Trust now has new and fit for purpose amenties.

Follow Armadale Stores on Facebook.

Additionally, 2021 provided us with the opportunity to establish a 34kw Micro Hydro on the Allt a Cham-aird burn. Funded through a Community Share issue, Cumhachd Shleite was commissioned in August 2021. Sleat Hydro.

A succesful garage business including MOT services is next to the Trust's new facility and is leased to a local proprietor.

What next?

The review in 2011 of the management structure and working practices and procedures was a significant milestone for the Sleat Community Trust. Funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise the review formed the foundation for the Trust's development as it approaches its second decade. Building on from the work already achieved in over nine years, the review has allowed the Trust to re-assess its business and social objectives and to set out a plan to see it grow further into its next decade.

2021-2022 is also set to see further development as the joint project between Sleat Community Trust and Sabhal Mor Ostaig takes shape. The new Campervan Service Point is set to start being built which encompasses 8 parking bays with charging points, black and grey water disposal points and an accessible shower and WC unit.

Key Ongoing Projects include:

A five year plan to harvest the timber, construct related infrastructure facilities, develop related commercial business opportunities
Assessment for further hydro schemes on Sleat
Assessments for a further campervan service point
Continuing support of carbon reduction opportunities and efficiency in energy
A joint project with Sabhal Mor Ostaig for a new sports facility on Sleat
Expansion of the path network and cycle routes on Tomrore Community Forest

SCT is grateful for the support, funding, guidance and advice from so many sources that we are unable to name them all. We thank them sincerely. Our role is solely to support the community of Sleat to make this a better place to live, and we look forward to the coming years with enthusiasm, expertise and commitment.

If you would like to know more, make a contribution, or help in some way please get in touch. Click on our pages to see more of our work.

Sleat Community Trust
Armadale, Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV45 8RS

w: sleat.org.uk
e: office@sleat.org.uk
t: 01471 844776

Sleat Community Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children, young people and adults. It expects all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.

Sleat Community Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee Company 264198

Recognised as a Charity in Scotland SC035316