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Skye and Raasay Volunteer Healthcare Transport Scheme

Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations No comments

Proposal code: THC-2026-06-163

We are seeking funding to develop and pilot a Skye and Raasay Volunteer Healthcare Transport Scheme over a 2-year period.

Estimated Cost

Not yet known

What do you want to do? We are seeking funding to develop and pilot a Skye and Raasay Volunteer Healthcare Transport Scheme over a 2-year period.

Year 1 (Development and Feasibility):

  • Undertake community engagement across Skye and Raasay
  • Identify two priority pilot areas
  • Develop partnerships with NHS Highland and local stakeholders
  • Design the service model (booking systems, safeguarding, insurance)
  • Recruit and support volunteer drivers
  • Develop a detailed delivery and sustainability plan

Year 2 (Pilot Delivery):

  • Establish two community transport hubs
  • Deliver a volunteer-led car scheme using people’s own vehicles
  • Provide transport to hospital, GP, and healthcare appointments
  • Monitor, evaluate, and refine the model
  • Develop a long-term rollout and funding plan

 

Why is your project important for your community?

Communities across Skye and Raasay face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including long travel distances, limited public transport, and high costs. This particularly affects older people, disabled people, and those on low incomes, often leading to missed appointments and poorer health outcomes. This project is important because it provides a practical, community-led solution to these challenges, improving access to essential services.

The project aligns strongly with local Area Place Plan priorities, including:

  • Improving connectivity and access to services
  • Supporting community wellbeing and resilience
  • Strengthening community infrastructure and local solutions

It also aligns with emerging NHS Highland adult social care models, which prioritise:

Community-based, preventative support and Joined-up, place-based services

Transport is a critical enabler of these priorities, particularly in rural and island settings.

 

What positive impact will your project have?

The project will deliver significant benefits for individuals, communities, and services.

For individuals:

  • Improved access to healthcare and appointments
  • Reduced isolation and stress
  • Increased independence and wellbeing

For communities:

  • Stronger local networks and community resilience
  • Increased volunteering opportunities
  • Better connections between people and services

For services and systems:

  • Reduced missed appointments
  • Earlier access to care and support
  • Improved integration between community and health services

Overall outcome: A more connected, accessible, and resilient community, supported by a sustainable, community-led transport model.

 

What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be? SLCVO has strong existing relationships with third sector organisations and communities across Skye and Lochalsh. Through ongoing work (including community hub development), there is clear evidence of demand for improved transport solutions. An initial project model has been developed, including a phased 2-year approach and a hub-based delivery model informed by existing community car schemes.

 

What is your anticipated start date/end date?

Start date: January 2027 (project setup)

Phase breakdown:

Jan 2027 – March 2028: Feasibility, development, and planning

April 2028 – March 2029: Pilot delivery in two priority areas

The project is designed to continue beyond this period, with a plan for long-term expansion across Skye and Raasay.

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