< Back to '16th December 2020' briefing
December 14, 2020
Swim for your money
The Isle of Kerrera, just off Oban, has 68 residents but lacks the basic amenities for them to meet and socialise and to be able to make any kind of tourist offering for the annual 15,000 visitors. Last year the islanders purchased the near derelict Old School House but needed more cash to complete the renovations. A crowd funder was launched and as a mark of how committed the islanders are, two young lads whose mums both attended the school took the plunge to make an epic fundraising swim across the Sound of Kerrera. Lovely wee film too.
.
While there’s an abundance of stunning scenery, the Isle of Kerrera boasts little in the way of facilities for the 68 strong community or the 15,000 annual visitors. We want to change that and create a new and much needed community hub, right in the centre of the island. You can help us- and get yourself some incredible rewards! These are perfect for a unique and thoughtful Christmas gift for your friends or family!
Following years of efforts and dedicated energy from the volunteer board of the Isle of Kerrera Development Trust- the islanders are delighted to finally own their first ever community building. The IKDT purchased the old primary school building in July 2019, thanks to the Scottish Land Fund. Now we need to raise around £25,000 by community fundraising for the renovations- in particular for new windows and doors and to fix the walls- and that’s where we need your help!
A new Community Hub in the Old School
This new facility will mean that our thousands of annual visitors will be able to use the flushing toilets, access drinking water, buy island produce, learn about island life and even stay overnight in unique accommodation. There is no school, doctor, library, post office, shop or pub on Kerrera- islanders need to travel to the mainland for all services. With the last scheduled public ferry at 6pm, opportunities to take part in any sports, cultural or social activities are very limited. We plan to change all that and renovate the old school to create a simple, fit-for-purpose community centre, right in the heart of the island.
With it’s first ever community building, islanders will have a place to meet, to learn, socialise and develop lasting relationships and memories. The 19 island children can attend playgroups, classes and after school activities. Islanders can keep fit, learn to dance, discuss their favourite books and have meetings to continue and develop island projects. Birthdays, weddings, Halloween and Christmas parties will all have a home. The benefits of the new centre are undeniable and will be genuinely life-changing.
Fantastic Selection of Exclusive Island Rewards!
We’ve compiled an amazing selection of rewards for you- ranging from simple acknowledgement on our donor wall or a tin of wonderful Sea Tea and an island tote bag, to a unique chance to experience the island like a farmer, feeding the friendly cows or cute pet lambs. There’s a chance for a weekend stay with dinner- or even a full blown private island event (all following covid guidance of course) in our wonderful new island marquee- perhaps this is the location for your dream wedding!
Please help us to give our much loved old island building a new lease of life! Help our island community reduce the impact of social isolation and finally have a shared space to meet, socialise, learn and thrive! Help us to make the island a more visitor-friendly destination, and please be sure to come to visit us and tell all your friends!
All rewards will be arranged in line with current government guidance regarding coronavirus at the time of booking. Activities and tours are suitable for families (max 5 people from one household), except for the “Cuddle the Cows”- this is limited to the size of the quad trailer (maximum two adults and one child). Should any activity need to be rearranged, we will do our best to provide a suitable alternative.
For the private hire of the island marquee, please note that the marquee can be available up to 7pm (last available ferry) unless otherwise arranged. Hire includes tables and chairs for up to 30 people, electricity supply and access to toilet facilities. Please get in touch to discuss your idea!
For further information about any of these rewards or activities, please contact: aideen@isleofkerrera.org