"The aim of the Fund is to offer financial assistance to local projects which will increase the resilience, sustainability and well-being of the community of Colonsay and Oronsay"
New and Current Projects
Since the start of 2023, COCF has funded a variety of different projects, both large and small. A short description of the application process is below for reference.
Long applications are for projects over £1,000, and are assessed by a panel of 5 community members, chaired by a sitting member of the Community Council. This allows for increased community input in decision making regarding larger applications of funding. These panels occur every three months.
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Short applications are assessed by the sitting Community Council within a short window of time, allowing for decisive and time-specific release of funds for lower amounts. More information on the application process can be found on this page.
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The Hardship Fund has received and supported three (3) applicants.
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Willow for Heritage Crafts - £1,000
Matt Green’s project funded the supply of 1500 basketry willow cuttings and a 4m x 100m roll of landscaping fabric - enough material to establish an effective willow field to start out on a basket making business; a business currently on the red list for endangered traditional crafts.
By bringing a heritage craft to the island, at the same time as creating links with the island of Eigg who supplied it, Matt hopes to use marginal, unproductive land in a sustainable and economically productive way.
Framing and Photography for Felt Artwork - £967
Funding provided to enable framing and professional photos of Colonsay Artist Sue Dance’s work. Sue creates images out of wool using both wet and dry felting techniques, and the award also covered the cost of a sander that would allow her to develop larger, more premium pictures.
Funding for Island Profile Officer Role - £5,000
This project was put forward to allow for a continuation of the part-time Island Profile Officer post that CCDC has developed in partnership with the Scottish Government Islands Team, with 50% of the role’s funding already supplied by the Scottish government. The Islands Profile project seeks to assess the current methods of data collection, including tools developed to assist communities. This will provide a detailed and comprehensive evidence base to support all organisations on Colonsay, advocating for the community’s needs and attracting outside funding. The Profile evidence will support refinement of the Community plan, action planning and delivery of projects and ambitions within the community plan.
Planters for the Community Garden - £984
The Colonsay Community Garden applied for funding to replace rotten planters with recycled plastic planters, allowing for a long term investment in the garden’s infrastructure.
Materials for Soap Making - £1,000
Robbie Graham has been crafting soaps on the island that have made a name for themselves amongst our luxury island produce. Aimed at furthering Robbie’s burgeoning soap business, the award allowed for bulk purchase of materials ahead of the summer season.
Information Panels for Riasg Buidhe - £1,600
This project has been undertaken by the Colonsay and Oronsay Heritage Trust to create a permanent record of the history and recent social history of the abandoned village of Riasg Buidhe. This will be achieved through a blend of printed panels and portable display panels.
Winter Kids Club - £1,000
An application from the parents in the community, this project subsidised the cost of the hall and purchased new supplies and equipment for indoor sports play, allowing for a recreational space and social occasions across the Winter.
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