Most the equipment in the much loved playpark in Strontian is over 30 years old and badly in need of replacement. As a local parent exclaimed “I remember using those swings when I was at primary school!”

The village is defined as the local  ‘key strategic settlement’, and with Ardnamurchan High and Strontian Primary Schools, two hotels, Campsite, Village Hall, the largest shop on the peninsula, petrol pumps, post office, café, part time GP surgery and the Oakwood Tourism & Crafts Centre, it provides a service hub for visitors and locals alike. The playpark is used by thousands of visitors as well as families from across the area – not just Sunart – and we want to make sure the playpark is the best it can be and operational for another 30+ years. It will serve a resident population of approx 1,000 people.

Briefly this project will:

• Replace the existing equipment (except the old slide),– with new, modern, inclusive equipment, designed to last between 25-30 years. (Including new ‘mini zip-wire’!)
• Maintain current arrangements whereby the development is on land already owned in perpetuity by the community, but will be installed and managed by Highland Council, including annual inspections to comply with ROSPA standards.
• Benefit all local and visiting children alike – and cater for a wider age group. (The climbing bars are suitable for calisthenics i.e. fitness activities.)
• Provide a much-needed facelift for this part of the village.

Working with Highland Council officials we have referenced the HC 2023-2033 Playpark Strategy, and in 2025 conducted an inital survey of children of all ages and their parents using the Council's own survey tool which highlighted likes, dislikes and 'wants'. From this, tenders were invited from suppliers and in early 2026 a display was mounted in the Sunart Centre Library to allow residents to express a preference. 35 responses were received to the questionnaires which resulted in a clear 'front runner' and a likely budget. (Fundraising began in earnest.) The design was re-tendered in July 2026 to secure refreshed quotes with up to date pricing. The local steering group was again consulted and a 'preferred bidder' selected.  We are very grateful to the Highland Council Amenities Team and Highland Play Strategy Coordinator for all their assistance.

As of September 2026 we have raised £65,000. We are runnning a JustGiving page and a Facebook page. We aim to have all the money in place by the end of October 2026 with a view to the Council commissoning the work immediately thereafter and for the new Playpark to open in Spring / Early Summer 2027.

This amount includes donations from Sunart Community Company, Sunart Community Council, Sunart Community Benefit Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Highland Council, local fundraising events, individual donations and a range of larger donations from local businesses.

The equipment will be predominantly stainless steel and therefore low maintenance with a 25-30 year lifespan. We are including a new range of equipment which will allow inclusive play for children with mobility impairments, as well as a range of climbing equipment suitable for teenagers who frequent the site. We hope to encourage active play and for young people to spend time outdoors. The new equipment will also enable adults to use some items for calisthenic excercises, widening the reach of this new facility to all ages. The internal path within the playpark will be re-surfaced to allow access for wheelchairs and pushchairs and the safety surfaces which are currently degraded will be replaced.

As the land is owned in perpetuity by the local community company this represents a considerable long term investment in the infrastructure of the village.