1. What do you want to do?

We want to deliver the next stage of the Reimagining Camanachd Square project, including:

• Successful community asset transfer of identified lands within Camanachd Square.
• Renovation and extension of the existing Community Centre, retaining and retrofitting the main hall while replacing outdated ancillary spaces.
• New flexible indoor spaces for community groups, youth activities, arts and culture, sports clubs, events and local businesses.
• Improved meeting, changing, storage and toilet facilities.
• A new adventure playpark closer to the Community Centre.
• A dedicated skate and cycle area.
• Improvements to the King George V Playing Field, including drainage, accessibility and supporting infrastructure such as lighting.
• A new outdoor gathering and events space for markets, performances, celebrations and everyday community use.
• Improved walking, wheeling and active travel connections across and around the site.

Together, these improvements will create a connected, inclusive and multi-functional destination serving residents across Portree and the wider Skye community, as well as visitors.

2. Why is your project important for your community?

The project responds directly to challenges identified through the 2022 Reimagining Camanachd Square Feasibility Study and Masterplan. Consultation involved interviews with over 35 local community organisations and businesses, a public webinar, an exhibition of ideas and an associated survey. The resulting masterplan is now included in the Skye and Raasay Futures plan.

The process identified a range of economic, environmental and social issues effecting the Portree and Braes area, particularly, a long-term lack of investment and maintenance in community and visitor facilities; insecure and unsuitable premises for key local services and businesses; limited affordable spaces for young people and families to participate in culture and recreation throughout the year; and a lack of a coordinated approach to regeneration.

The project responds by:

• Securing and improving the Community Centre, addressing long-standing issues including inefficient heating, inadequate storage and poor-quality toilet facilities.
• Creating more community and business space, providing modern, accessible and affordable spaces to meet growing demand.
• Protecting existing local services and businesses, retaining space for services such as the Post Office and barbers and relocating the Community Trust office to the centre of the village.
• Strengthening recreation and wellbeing, improving connections between the Community Centre, King George V Playing Field and surrounding spaces, alongside a new adventure playpark and dedicated skate and cycle facility.
• Securing the area’s long-term future, providing a coordinated, community-led approach to the development, management and maintenance of Camanachd Square under the ownership of a single community body.

There are currently 248 houses planned for construction in Portree in phases over the next 15–20 years. Investment in Camanachd Square will meet current needs while supporting the future growth and vitality of Portree.

3. What positive impact will your project have?

The project will create a stronger, more sustainable community hub at the heart of Portree, with benefits extending across the wider site and community.

Expected outcomes include:

• Increased use of the Community Centre, with greater participation from community groups, clubs, businesses, families and event organisers.
• A wider range of local activities, including cultural events, learning, recreation, social activities, markets and community celebrations.
• More opportunities for young people and families to participate in positive activities and connect with their community.
• Improved health and wellbeing, through greater access to recreation, physical activity, social interaction and quality community spaces.
• Greater security for local services and businesses, helping retain important services within the town centre and supporting the local economy.
• Stronger community resilience, with a community organisation in place to manage, maintain and develop the Centre and surrounding spaces over the long term.
• Greater use and enjoyment of Camanachd Square, through better connections between the Community Centre, KGV and surrounding recreational spaces.
• Benefits for visitors as well as residents, creating a more attractive and welcoming town centre that strengthens Portree’s visitor experience and supports local businesses and the wider tourism economy.
• A lasting community asset, providing a foundation for further community-led investment and development and generating social, economic and environmental benefits over the long term.

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

The project is already well advanced and has benefited from significant development work and community involvement.

Community Centre, adjacent car parks and public realm improvements

Achievements to date:

• Site reviews, measured and topographical surveys, energy and condition assessments completed.
• Community engagement and support evidenced.
• Feasibility study and high-level business case completed.
• Concept designs and layout proposals developed to RIBA Stage 2.
• Potential funding opportunities and delivery partners identified.
• Stage 1 funding secured from the Scottish Land Fund.

Next steps:

• Continue community engagement and stakeholder collaboration.
• Transfer the Community Centre lease to The Portree and Braes Community Trust.
• Undertake further technical studies, including structural engineering assessments if required.
• Develop detailed designs to RIBA Stage 4 and update cost plans.
• Secure planning permission and other required consents.
• Secure community asset transfer of identified Camanachd Square lands, including the old swimming pool site.
• Submit capital funding applications.
• Finalise delivery and procurement arrangements.
• Undertake construction and phased implementation.

King George V Playing Field improvements

Achievements to date:

• King George V Playing Field purchased by the Trust.
• Site appraisal and recommendations completed.

Next steps:

• Secure capital funding, estimated at £200,000.
• Deliver improvement works.

New adventure playpark

Achievements to date:

• Community engagement and support evidenced.

Next steps:

• Secure asset transfer of the old swimming pool site.
• Complete adventure playpark feasibility and design work, estimated at £20,000.
• Secure capital funding, estimated at £200,000.
• Deliver the playpark.

New skate and cycle facility

Achievements to date:

• Community engagement and support evidenced.
• Free “Get Rolling” learn-to-skate sessions delivered in participating village halls across the north end of Skye, helping identify future users.

Next steps:

• Complete skate and cycle facility feasibility and design work, estimated at £15,000.
• Secure capital funding, estimated at £150,000.
• Deliver the facility.

5. What is your anticipated start/end date?

Estimated start date: April 2026 Estimated completion date: March 2031

The project will be delivered in phases over approximately five years, allowing time for design development, approvals, funding, procurement and construction.