Community development
Our support for communities is flexible. Find out how we can help including funding, asset and land development, specialist advice and more.
Community support programmes
Have a look at some of the programmes available to community organisations. Please get in touch if you'd like to chat about how we can help you.
Support for Communities Framework 2022-2026
The Support for Communities Framework 2022-2026 provides community-led organisations and social enterprises access to expert help and practical support.
Community Assets Knowledge Exchange Fund
Grants of up to £2,000 are available through the Community Assets Knowledge Exchange programme to support training and learning experiences related to owning land or buildings.
Community and asset development
Increasing the role of communities in the ownership and management of land and assets
Scottish Land Fund
The Scottish Land Fund provides funding for community organisations across Scotland to own land, buildings and other assets.
Community Empowerment Act
Find out what your rights are under the legislation of the Community Empowerment Act.
Contact us
Please get in touch if you need our help or would like to discuss working with us.
Our communities in numbers
Across the Highlands and Islands there are:
8,000
voluntary and community groups
73
of community enterprises operating 10 or more years
82
of community organisations providing public services
40
of community enterprises want to attract new talent
People leading community and social growth
Have a look through our case studies to hear from the remarkable people, enterprises and organisations we work with every day.
Case Study
Case Study
Gro for Good
Find out more about aquaponics and how Gro for Good benefited from HIE innovation support in developing its local, nutritional food production.
Case Study
Westray Development Trust
Hear how the community of Westray use their wind turbine to facilitate other services supporting locals and improving their quality of life.
Case Study
West Harris Trust
The West Harris Trust were the first community company to purchase its crofting estate from the Scottish Government in 2010. Read more about their journey here.
Case Study
Soirbheas
Soirbheas, a registered charity, work to strengthen and support the communities of Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, through revenues from local renewable energy schemes.
Case Study
Case Study
The Shieling Project
The Shieling Project, an off-grid learning centre, that invites and encourages everyone to experience outdoor living, harnesses centuries old skills as a blueprint to a more sustainable future.
Case Study
South West Mull and Iona Development
South West Mull & Iona Development was set up in 2010 to help this remote part of Scotland reach its full potential by consulting with the community and focussing on areas of improvement.
Case Study
Morvern Community Development Company
Find out what can be achieved when community is at the heart of local development
Case Study
Point and Sandwick Trust
How community-led wind energy is growing the biodiversity of the Outer Hebrides.
Case Study
Case Study
Loch Ness Hub - digital
Community-owned Loch Ness Hub supports visitors with luggage transfers and e-bike hire. To meet rising demand and boost real-time support, they turned to the Digital Tourism Support programme.
Case Study
Northton Heritage Trust
Northton Heritage Trust planning for the future by investing in their people.
Case Study
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