1. What do you want to do

Replace the roof: 

- commission a structural engineers report

- engage the architect to project manage

- costs for Building Warrant

- commission contractor to deliver the roof replacement 

 

2. Why is your project important for your community (links to Area Place Plan)

People/Access to Services:

-  strengthen support for local third sector organisations, community groups and clubs providing services within communities

- increase dedicated programs to support physical and mental  health

 

People/Young People:

- expand engagement programs and increase mental and sexual health support

- increase the number of youth clubs and safe recreational areas across Lochaber to enhance social spaces and activities

- encourage engagement to retain young people in Lochaber

 

People/Activities:

- increase green based activities that promote health, wellbeing and strengthen the connection to nature

- increase the range of inclusive and affordable activiries to accommodate varied interests and age groups across Lochaber

- provide accessible and affordable cultural activities

- provide community spaces for social engagement and drop-ins for all ages

 

Place:

- support visuial enhancement to addresss neglected buildings

Place/environmental:

- protect and promote local green spaces, rewilding and bio-diversity

- support business and communities to continue transition to Net Zero (solar panels to be installed in longer term on new roof)

Prosperity/Tourism Management:

- encourage a balance approach to tourism with measures to reduce pressures on local communities and support local businesses

Prosperity/Economic

- promote business developmeny in LOichaber, encouraging imprpvememnts to attract local tourist spending

- host more events and festivals

- support seasonal pop-up cafes and stalls

 

Prosperity/Employment and Skills development:

- explore options for further education, training, skill develoment and job opportunities to rural areas limited by transport options

-encourage long term employment contracts to maintain expertise and community continuity

- remove barriers to support residents to participate , contribute to community life, access support, training, and employment

Prosperity/Collaboration Working

- strengthen collaboration with communities

- increase long term funding to ensure sustainaibility of community projects

- create local solutions for community groups to access affordable facilities, particulalry for areas with no community space

3. what positive impact will your project have

Impact for people

- provides a safe, dry and welcoming social space for members, visitors (& toursist), juniors and volunteers

- improves accessibility for older members and those with disabilities by ensuring access year-round

- improving physical and mental well-being by encouraging participation in golf (and the outdoors) and providing a place for social interaction

- reducing isolation particularly for older residents and those living rurally

- increasing junior participation and intergenerational interaction

- promoting life-long physical activity to support a preventative approach to physical and mental wellbeing

 

4. what key milestones have you achieved so far

The club is making significant progress on key milestones in spite of the major risk exposure presented by a now irreparable roof that without an investment contribution does risk viability of the club.

Nonetheless:

1. Youth development

In last 2 years we have increased from 8 junior members to 68 as a result of a priority focus on youth development. This has involved formal collaboration with Lochaber High School (Health and Wellbeing Department) with the appointment of a junior convenor positioned on the Golf Club Committee, working at the High School, to promote and enagage YP and access revenue funding for free lessons.

2. Improved Accessibility

With an increasing membership we have been able to invest a significant reduction (66%) on the full member fee for the first year of membership. Implemented in 2025/2026 this has attracted an additional 29 new members. In addition, junior members enjoy a free or low-cost membership subject to certain conditions. For example where they have a parent member, the membership is free. Junior membership has increased by 17 since 1 March 2026.

3. Social Enterprise/Income Generation

We have an income generating side at the Club which is seriously at risk because of the condition of the roof:

We have been able to maintain the short-term let property which forms part of the clubhouse and this income is critical to the sustanaibility of the club.  In particular it provides revenue resources for the salaries of 3 green-keeping staff to maintain the quality and accessibility of the course. This is more high cost than courses where there is less annual rainfall. 

4. Match Funding

We are contributing £20k from existing club reserves towards the project and provisional approval from Scottish Golf's affiliated lenders for a further £30k as a contribution to the £120k, (including VAT), of the total project costs.

5. Anticipated start and end date

Subject to a grant match fund