Supporting the Sustainable Development of Tiree
There isn't much that happens in Tiree that the Tiree Community Development Trust isn't involved in. Established in 2006, and based in the Island Centre in Crossapol, the charity organisation brought together a variety of pre-existing community organisations and projects into one cohesive whole.
Today, the Trust sits at the head of a company group, controlling the following subsidiaries: Tiree Renewable Energy Ltd; Tiree Community Marine Assets Ltd; Community Information Technology Ltd and Tiree Community Enterprise Ltd.
It operates the island's wind turbine and distributes the Windfall funds, it delivers broadband services, operates an island filling station, owns and manages two local harbours, works with youth groups, and delivers the island Ranger service.
It also operates Discover Tiree - the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for the island. The Trust currently employs eight people, soon to become 10, with Phyl Meyer as General Manager. Tiree is home to around 650 residents.
If there’s a problem looming down the road that will affect the people of Tiree, it’s our job to think ‘what can we do about that?’. It’s a really nice thing to be involved in as you know you’re making a difference to everyone’s lives.Phyl Meyer, General Manager, Tiree Community Development Trust
Leading on community led solutions
The Trust is central to many aspects of island life and is the main driver of community led activity. The income generated through the 900kW wind turbine provides funding for much of the community and youth work undertaken by the Trust. As the community owns the turbine all of the income and benefits it generates remain on the island.
The Trust focuses on current and future issues and opportunities which may impact the community. The island's green credentials, housing, and sustainable tourism are all current priorities.
Upcoming projects for the community include the construction of four new business units and an electric transport project.
The right skills for the job
We've been working with the Trust for many years, and have supported a range of people and infrastructure projects. Support for projects has also come from the Island Communities Fund. NatureScot fund a ranger post and Gaelic language development work has been supported by Community Land Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Phyl and the Trust were delighted that HIE's Graduate Support Programme offered them the perfect opportunity to recruit a dedicated post to take forward plans for sustainable island tourism.
With 50% of the salary for a one year post covered, they were able to employ Emma Leslie originally from Aberdeenshire, who is a graduate of Tourism and Languages at Napier University.
The Trust says Emma's work as Sustainable Tourism and Communication Officer has already brought significant benefits. As well as her work on a website project, and their tourism consultation tender, Emma has also helped with the Trust's engagement with regional DMO Wild About Argyll.
Adapting to island life
Emma had never been to Tiree before taking on her role with the Trust. She thinks the programme is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to experience a different way of life and to explore new surroundings.
Having worked in the tourism industry while studying, including roles with the National Trust and the Scottish Whisky Experience, Emma was keen to move into the destination management side of tourism.
A friend sent Emma the job listing for the position with the Trust. She was excited by the idea of working with a smaller organisation and getting hands-on across a wide range of tasks and projects.
She says:“Something I hadn’t thought about until looking into the job more was the chance to really make a difference in a small community. After only a few months here, I can already point to things I’ve been involved in, like our web and digital work, and know that it’s making a difference.
“People can also see that I’m working to strike a balance, making sure we can promote sustainable tourism for the long-term benefit of residents as well as visitors. It’s been an interesting challenge to come in as an ‘outsider’ and make sure people can see we are working to find that balance, so that residents don’t feel like the needs of tourists are being put first.”
I would definitely advise other graduates to consider the programme. Living in a rural community might not be for everyone, but I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself, and you can get some absolutely fantastic career experience.Emma Leslie, Sustainable Tourism & Communications Officer, Tiree Development Trust
Strong Low Carbon Agenda
One of the Trust's top priorities is their low carbon agenda. The turbine generates clean energy for the community and the grid, and the Trust is now engaged in looking at ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.
With help from a grant from the Island Communities Fund, the Trust is in the process of purchasing an electric minibus and electric vehicle chargers to be installed on the island.
The aim is to decarbonise transport on the island for locals and visitors alike. The purchase of a bike trailer is intended to encourage visitors to arrive without the need of a car, with the minibus providing transport for passengers, bikes and baggage from the ferry to their accommodation.
Discussions are also underway to source volunteer drivers to provide pick up and drop off services for the Trust’s youth-focussed activities on the island, removing the need for parents to transport children individually in fossil fuel powered cars.
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