This project is the third phase of the Grantown Hub’s development, unlocking its full potential in providing high impact services for Grantown by moving from grant dependence to long term viability.
Estimated Cost
£30,000
The project will support and fund a 2 year part time contract to manage the premises, support the volunteers, increase publicity, build up and generate revenue-raising activities, aligned with the Society’s charitable objectives, in order to achieve an income sufficient for future management.
This project will consolidate and develop The Hub’s essential community, heritage, digital and wellbeing services to a level which will ensure their long term viability. The project meets 9 of the 15 local place plan priorities as well as CNPA priorities and current local action plan:
The contract will continue to provide the current community and visitor impact and, with enhanced volunteer support, increased and revamped levels and range of services further developing research and work with young people and more vulnerable members of the community as well as much increased revenue generation
Across all activities: information services, events and cultural programmes, health and wellbeing, enterprise and economic development, the Hub will deliver higher and more measurable levels of service with the same overall strategic impact:
Social: reduced isolation, increased cohesion, stronger community identity Economic: increased footfall, stronger local businesses, improved employability Cultural: preserved heritage, enriched cultural participation Digital : improved access, confidence, and inclusion Environmental climate positive behaviours and safer active travel Wellbeing : improved mental, social, and physical wellbeing.Phase one of the Hub’s development focused on establishing a permanent home for the Hub. This included identifying the right building, securing it for community use, and carrying out the essential fit out to create a warm, accessible and flexible space. By the end of this stage in July 2014, the Hub had a physical base that could support its community aims.
Phase two centred on developing the Hub’s services and earning its place in everyday community life. Through a mix of programmes, events, digital support and partnership activity, the Hub became recognised as a trusted, inclusive space where people could meet, learn, access help and contribute. This stage established the Hub’s reputation, demonstrated demand, and proved its value to the wider area. Despite some totally unexpected and massive difficulties, the Society, by July 2026, had achieved this showing massive resilience and trustee commitment and a great many hours of voluntary work.
Phase three is about moving from grant dependence to long term sustainability. The Hub now needs to professionalise operations, employ dedicated staff, and expand its revenue generating activity so it can continue delivering high quality services without relying on short term funding. This phase will reinvigorate strategy, strengthen governance, and build the capacity required for a resilient, staff led Hub that can grow its impact year after year. Although the original business plan 2023 – 2026 aimed for self sufficiency in 2026 it is now targeted at the end of 2028.
The initial work was based on a full professional community consultation and this received contributions from across the community and endorsements from politicians, community leaders, businesses and individuals. CNPA stated "they are very supportive of the Hub" The Hub visitors’ book includeds many positive and useful comments. Most recently:
“Thank you, a very interesting layout great work. Will look in again” Strathspey resident
“A lovely space, thanks for the relaxing break surrounded by books and maps” professional writer
“What a beautiful place” visitor from Wyoming
“Thank you so very much problem sorted very happy” local resident
“Thank you for the chat and information” local resident
“Great place. Very useful to have wi-fi and a desk to use in Grantown” local writer
“Thank’s God for the Grantown Hub” Austrian visitor (who will be returning for longer next year
The trustees are reviewing the “2025 – 2028 The Grantown Society Business Plan Development of the Grantown Hub” have just created a full “impact assessment” and agreed an updated “financial strategy”. They have brought in The impact Hub, funded by Just Enterprise, to revise the volunteer and digital strategies. The plan is to consolidate and develop current strands as per the business plan and to extend work with young people, with health and wellbeing and with outdoor activities also fully creating a museum without walls.
The Society is committed to a fair pay policy and to funding work at above the current living wage
To date capital grants have been received from TNL Land Fund and Awards for All, SCVO (digital Scotland) SSE, CARES, CNPA, Berryburn, Baxters the Co-op and the Highland and Islands Climate Hub
Start November 1st 2026 and finish October 31st 2028. By which time we expect to rely on revenue raised by the Society’s own activities.
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