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Caledonia Community Hubs' Proposal for North Coast Regeneration Partnership

Proposal code: THC-2026-07-179

Community-led reg partnership to create practical wash, welfare, and support hubs across NC 500, benefiting residents, visitors, local businesses, landowners, councils and fragile Highland environment

1. Caledonia Community Hubs is a proposal to create a network of sustainable, multi-use community hubs across Scotland’s parks, hills and visitor destinations, beginning with a pilot project on the North Coast 500. The project will provide: high-quality facilities including accessible toilets; showers and changing facilities; drinking water refill points; dog wash and boot wash stations; cycle wash and repair facilities; refreshment areas; visitor information; defibrillators; first aid equipment and well-managed waste and recycling facilities.

2. This project is important because Scotland’s most popular outdoor destinations are experiencing increasing visitor numbers while many locations still lack the basic infrastructure needed to support responsible access. This places pressure on local communities, damages the environment, reduces visitor experience and limits opportunities for local businesses. 

As part of this proposal, we aim to pilot the Caledonia Community Hubs model at the Evelix Service Station and the former service station at Helmsdale. Both sites present an opportunity to transform underused or ageing facilities into modern community assets that support visitors while benefiting local communities. These pilot locations will allow us to test, refine and evidence the model before a wider rollout across Scotland. 

The project supports sustainable tourism, strengthens local communities, improves visitor facilities and protects the surrounding environment while aligning with long-term aspirations for responsible economic development, community wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

3. The proposal offers multiple positive outcomes. It aligns with local and national priorities by promoting environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, climate resilience, economic development and inclusive access to Scotland’s natural landscapes. The hubs are designed to support local businesses, create employment opportunities, encourage volunteering and provide facilities that will result in improved public health and protect sensitive environments, all of which are positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

4. Key milestones already achieved include the development of a comprehensive strategic proposal for Caledonia Community Hubs, setting out the vision, governance model, operational framework, financial sustainability, environmental principles and long-term community benefits. 

 Potential pilot locations have been identified at the Evelix Service Station and the former service station at Helmsdale, providing two realistic opportunities to demonstrate the concept in locations that would benefit both local communities and visitors.

Detailed engagement is underway with NC 500 Ltd, Councillor John Murray, community representatives, businesses and stakeholders, generating valuable feedback that has helped shape and strengthen the proposal. The immediate next step is for Councillor Murray to present this proposal for discussion and review at their next council meeting (in a few weeks time) under their tourism section.

The next phase is to build formal partnerships with local authorities, landowners, community organisations and potential delivery partners, while completing detailed feasibility studies and site assessments for the pilot locations. We will refine the design, develop a fully costed business case, secure funding and obtain the necessary permissions. 

Subject to partner support, the pilot hubs will be delivered, monitored and independently evaluated, creating an evidence-based model that can be refined before being rolled out to other communities across Scotland. 

 The expected outcomes include cleaner and safer visitor destinations, reduced litter and environmental damage, improved accessibility, stronger local economies, enhanced visitor experiences and long-term community investment. A financially sustainable operating model will reinvest income into maintenance, future expansion and community projects, with 20% of net profit ring-fenced through the creation of Caledonian Community Trust for local community benefit.

Our long-term ambition is to establish a nationally recognised network of Caledonia Community Hubs that delivers lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for all of Scotland.  Our intention to become a lasting national asset that protects Scotland’s landscapes, strengthens communities and creates a sustainable legacy for future generations.

 5. Subject to the successful appointment of Caledonia Community Hubs, work on the NC 500 pilot can commence during 2026. This can create a model that can be refined across Scotland in future years. 

• Multi-area