1. What do you want to do?

Anticipated start: As soon as funding is confirmed.

Purchasing and implementation will be completed within six months of the funding award. The equipment and club infrastructure will then continue supporting existing and new participants for many years.

Our next steps are:

• Secure the next phase of funding to purchase remaining essential protective, training and safety equipment, reducing barriers to participation and allowing activities to expand safely.

• Develop a structured pathway from beginner soft-kit training through weapon skills, grappling and HEMA to full armoured combat.

• Increase participation across Caithness and Sutherland through further beginner courses, demonstrations, publicity and engagement with people who may not normally participate in traditional sports.

• Develop more members towards competition readiness, supporting Highland fighters to compete in Scottish, UK and international events while developing coaching, officiating and technical skills within the club.

• Build HAC into a sustainable long-term community sports club through strong governance, safety, equipment management and fundraising, supported by a regular programme of training, workshops and events.

What is your anticipated start date/end date?

HAC is already an active club, with the following milestones achieved:

Secured a suitable venue for the club to train in.

Ran our initial beginners course to establish whether the club was viable.

Opened a club bank account in the name of Highlands Armoured Combat.

Gained significant public exposure through a full article in the John O'Groats Journal.

Welcomed over 30 participants from across Caithness and Sutherland, including men and women aged 20-65 from different backgrounds, abilities, sizes and shapes.

Ran a second beginners course, enabling us to continue developing the activity despite not yet having all the required equipment.

Had our first fighters compete in duelling categories at the Perth Highland Games.

Held our first AGM, formed our committee and approved our governance documentation.

Welcomed new coaches offering HEMA (technical fencing) lessons 1-2 times per month, increasing the skills and disciplines available locally.

Had our first participants compete internationally at a tournament in Claregalway, Ireland.

Held armour maintenance and crafting sessions, including making interim soft-kit swords to develop striking and grappling-with-weapons skills.

Secured our first phase of funding, allowing us to purchase essential mats and soft-kit equipment.

The project will reduce financial barriers by providing shared equipment, allowing more people to participate safely before purchasing their own specialist equipment.

Expected outcomes include increased physical activity; improved strength, fitness, coordination and endurance; greater confidence and resilience; teamwork, communication and leadership skills; improved social connections; increased membership and retention; and a safer progression route for new participants.

It will enable more members to progress into competition and represent the Highlands within the wider armoured combat community.

Much of the funding will purchase durable equipment for repeated use by current and future members, providing community benefit well beyond the initial funding period.

What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be?

Specialist sporting opportunities are limited in the Highlands, with rurality, travel distances and costs creating significant barriers. HAC provides local access to a distinctive sport which participants would otherwise have to travel considerable distances to pursue, with the nearest alternative club in Aberdeen, around 4.5 hours' drive away.

Armoured combat combines physical activity, teamwork, discipline and technical skill with an interest in history, arms and armour. It can particularly engage people who have not found conventional sports or fitness activities appealing.

The club enables people to meet, train and work towards shared goals, with experienced members supporting newer participants and creating social connections alongside physical and sporting development.

The project supports Place Plan objectives for stronger, connected communities, participation and recreation, improved wellbeing, development of local skills and reducing disadvantages associated with rural isolation. It also enables Highland competitors to represent their community in Scotland, the UK and internationally.

What positive impact will your project have?

Highlands Armoured Combat (HAC) is a not-for-profit constituted community sports club seeking funding to develop safe, accessible and sustainable armoured combat in the Highlands.

Funding will purchase essential shared training, protective and safety equipment needed for new and existing members to participate safely. Armoured combat requires expensive specialist equipment, creating a significant barrier to participation. Shared club equipment allows people to participate and develop before investing substantially in their own equipment.

The project will support structured training, enabling members to progressively develop fitness, combat skills, teamwork, rules knowledge and competence before progressing to full-contact armoured combat.

Our aim is to create the equipment and training infrastructure needed for a sustainable Highland sports club, not simply purchase equipment for existing members.

Why is your project important for your community?