A new community wellbeing hub at The Links offering year‑round activities, accessible facilities and nature‑based learning for young people, families, older residents, volunteers and community groups.
Estimated Cost
£150,000
The Links Community Wellbeing Hub – Connecting People, Nature & Community
1. What do you want to do?
Tain Gala Association will transform the existing building at The Links Recreation Area into a year‑round Community Wellbeing Hub that supports social connection, inclusion, volunteering, environmental learning and community resilience. Funding will enable us to:
Refurbish and repurpose the building into a flexible, accessible community space.
Provide indoor areas for activities, workshops, supported groups, meetings and volunteering.
Install modern accessible public toilets, baby changing facilities and a drinking water refill point.
Improve outdoor seating overlooking the boating pond to create a welcoming social space.
Provide community and visitor information about local walks, wildlife and nature.
Deliver programmes for young people, families, older residents and young adults with Additional Support Needs (18–25).
Support volunteering, leadership development and community participation.
Establish a permanent base for Tain Gala Association to coordinate Gala Week, volunteers and heritage displays.
This project will turn an underused building into a vibrant community asset that benefits residents and visitors every day of the year.
2. Why is your project important for your community? (Place Plan Alignment)
The Links is one of Tain’s most valued public spaces, used daily by families, young people, dog walkers, cyclists and visitors. Despite this, there is currently no indoor community space at the heart of the area where people can meet, take part in activities or access public facilities.
Tain also has a significant gap in provision for academy‑age young people, who currently have very few safe, welcoming places to socialise. As a result, the town has seen a noticeable increase in vandalism and anti‑social behaviour, particularly during evenings and weekends. Local partners, residents and businesses have highlighted the urgent need for positive, supervised spaces that give young people somewhere to belong.
The Links Community Wellbeing Hub directly responds to priorities identified in the Tain & Easter Ross Place Plan, including:
Improving community facilities and shared spaces The Hub transforms an underused building into a year‑round community asset that supports social connection, wellbeing and local activity.
Supporting young people and reducing anti‑social behaviour The Place Plan highlights the need for more youth provision. The Hub provides structured activities, volunteering, leadership opportunities and safe social space for academy‑age young people.
Strengthening community resilience and local partnerships The Hub creates a permanent base for collaboration between community groups, volunteers, charities and public services.
Enhancing The Links Recreation Area The Place Plan identifies The Links as a key recreational zone. The Hub improves amenities, public toilets, seating, visitor information and environmental learning.
Promoting environmental stewardship and nature‑based activity The Hub supports nature‑based learning, environmental projects and community involvement in caring for The Links.
Celebrating local identity and heritage As Tain Gala Association approaches its 40th anniversary, the Hub provides a permanent home for heritage displays, volunteering and community celebration.
This project is a direct, practical response to the Place Plan’s ambitions for wellbeing, youth support, community spaces, environmental awareness and regeneration.
3. What positive impact will your project have?
Community Wellbeing & Social Connection
Reduced loneliness and isolation.
Increased opportunities for social groups, coffee mornings, intergenerational activities and wellbeing sessions.
Youth & ASN Support
A safe, positive place for academy‑age young people to socialise.
Reduced anti‑social behaviour through meaningful engagement and supervised activities.
Leadership, creativity and environmental learning for young people.
Supported social groups and confidence‑building activities for young adults with ASN (18–25).
Volunteering and skill development opportunities.
Family & Community Activities
Holiday programmes, nature‑based learning, craft sessions and community events.
A welcoming space for families visiting the play park, Bike Park and coastal paths.
Environmental Impact
Increased environmental awareness and stewardship of The Links.
Sustainable refurbishment and reduced waste through community learning.
Economic & Local Benefit
A more attractive, well‑serviced recreational area for residents and visitors.
Strengthened local partnerships and community capacity.
A permanent base supporting Gala Week operations and year‑round volunteering.
Overall, the Hub will create a vibrant, inclusive community space that supports wellbeing, resilience and environmental awareness.
4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what are your next steps?
Milestones Achieved:
Community engagement with residents, volunteers and partner organisations.
Identification of the building and site within The Links Recreation Area.
Development of the Hub concept aligned with local priorities and the Place Plan.
Initial project planning and feasibility work.
Early partnership discussions with local organisations.
Next Steps:
Obtain detailed quotes for refurbishment and facility improvements.
Finalise building layout and accessibility design.
Secure funding for capital works and programme delivery.
Begin refurbishment and installation of public amenities.
Launch community programmes, volunteering opportunities and Hub activities.
Establish long‑term sustainability through room hire, workshops, sponsorship and partnership projects.
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