Isle of Raasay

Raasay Development Trust

RAASAY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

A charitable trust established to sustain a diverse range of community assets and development projects

Raasay Development Trust (RDT) develops projects which improve the island’s infrastructure, offer new opportunities and deliver benefits to islanders and the community generally in terms of welfare and sustainability.

The trust consists of a board of seven directors, all volunteers, working with our local development officer, Elizabeth Taggart. This position is funded by HIE.

Elizabeth’s role is to deal with public and private agencies, progress complex funding applications, and progress these projects and opportunities within tight timescales.

Some of these projects have a long history and some are relatively recent.

Registered charity number SC045185 . Registered company number SC483429.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Housing

In collaboration with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and the Communities Housing Trust we are developing five properties for affordable rent and five serviced self-build plots. Plots will be discounted through the Rural Housing Burden scheme .

Catoe Brown Architects and James Macqueen Building Contractors Ltd are the appointed contractors. Site preparation began in January 2023 and the house kits are being manufactured off-site.

The development is being funded by the Rural and Island Housing Fund, the Ecology Building Society and the sale of the self-build plots.

Pontoon

The pontoon, which can accommodate up to 24 boats, is now open and in use. Water and power facilities are due to be operational by the end of July 2023. The second phase will see onshore facilities and wider visitor infrastructure developed.

Construction phase 1 project funders/supporters are Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), Highland Council Coastal Fund (HCCF) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Hydro

Raasay Community Renewables (RCR) was set up to manage this after a successful community shares offer. RCR is supported by Elizabeth and the hydro contractor BluEnergy.

Construction is finished and the hydro was commissioned in September 2022. It is now producing and exporting electricity to the National Grid.

New 5-year plan

As the current 5-year plan is in it’s final year, a new 5-year plan for 2024–2029 is being put together on behalf of RDT by Community Enterprise Scotland. Consultation events are taking place with the community and the new plan will presented at RDT’s AGM (date to be confirmed).