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An Pàirc - Applecross Community Sports Pitch

Proposal code: THC-2026-01-30

Creating Applecross’s first all-weather community sports pitch, giving local residents of all ages year-round access to sport, physical activity and wellbeing in a remote rural community.

1. What do you want to do?

Applecross Sports and Wellbeing Association (ASWA) aims to develop an 18m x 36m all-weather community sports pitch in Applecross. Capital funding is sought for the construction of this facility. 

2. Why is your project important for your community?

Applecross is a remote rural community of around 250 residents with no existing outdoor sports pitch. The nearest publicly available sports facility is over 80 miles away! There is no readily available public transport and this creates significant barriers to participation in sport, physical activity, and wellbeing. The need for a sports pitch has been clearly evidenced through:

1. The 2019 Plan-It Applecross consultation, where a sports facility was identified as a community priority
2. Ongoing discussion at local forum meetings
3. A community-wide ASWA survey and consultation in 2025, which confirmed continued strong demand for this project.

The project aligns strongly with local place-based planning priorities, supporting:

• Health and wellbeing
• Youth engagement
• Rural sustainability
• Social connection
• Community resilience

The project also aligns with wider strategic objectives within the Area Place Plan, particularly around improving access to services, facilities, and opportunities in remote rural communities.

3. What positive impact will your project have?

The project will deliver clear long-term benefits, including:

• Improved physical and mental health through accessible, year-round opportunities for physical activity
• Increased participation in sport and recreation, particularly for children and young people
• Reduced isolation in a remote rural community
• Stronger community connection through shared use of a community-owned facility
• Improved quality of life for residents and enhanced visitor experience

The pitch will provide a safe, inclusive, welcoming space for all ages and abilities.

4. Key milestones achieved and next steps

Milestones achieved:

• Community need identified (Plan-It Applecross (2019), forum meetings, 2025 ASWA survey)
• Regular community consultations (2025 and ongoing)
• Suitable site identified and pre-planning submitted
• Initial construction quotes obtained
• Funding pathways identified

Next steps:

• On-going community consultation
• Secure planning permission
• Complete land acquisition (crofting resumption)
• Secure full funding package
• Construction phase.

5. Anticipated start/end date

Estimated start date: Summer 2026 Estimated end date: Autumn 2027 Project duration: Approximately 12–18 months including planning, funding and construction phases

 

• Outdoor Community Space
• £ Capital

• Wester Ross, Strathpeffer & Lochalsh