New funding sparks ambitious community projects for 2026
Foundation Scotland is delighted to share that 10 organisations across Scotland have been awarded grants thanks to Crown Estate Scotland’s Community Capacity Grants Programme.
Now in its fifth year, the Fund aims to provide early-stage financial support for local projects that aim to reach one or both of the following:
- Create self-sustaining community enterprises that will promote sustainable development through the provision of local economic, social, and/or environmental benefits.
- Contribute to the regeneration of places through improvements to buildings or community spaces that will support self-sustaining community enterprises delivering sustainable development.
This year’s successful projects span a broad geographical area, including the Highlands, Islands, Argyll and Bute and Dumfries and Galloway. From feasibility studies and pre-construction design work to community capacity building and environmental sustainability efforts, the funded activity showcases the breadth of local priorities and the creativity of community-led solutions.
In Shetland, Scalloway Community Development Company has been awarded £50,000 to undertake a feasibility study and business case for a District Heating Scheme in Scalloway. The project will assess current and future heat demand, evaluate potential heat sources and costs, and develop an outline business case with funding options and delivery models. Running from April to December 2026, the work will be led by SCDC in partnership with local stakeholders, supported by specialist consultants and extensive community engagement.
Further south, Kintyre Seasports has received funding to expand its Seafarers vocational training programme, opening new pathways for young people in Campbeltown and surrounding areas. The programme provides structured maritime training and industry-recognised RYA qualifications in powerboating, dinghy sailing, and watersports.
With new partnerships involving MOWI Scotland and Deep Blue Sea Training (DBST), the organisation aims to increase capacity from around 20 to 50 trainees per year. Funding will support the recruitment of an RYA Senior Instructor, extension of RYA Training Centre status to include Advanced Powerboat and training for volunteer instructors. Activities will run from March 2026 to March 2027, primarily benefiting pupils at Campbeltown Grammar School and helping address Scotland’s growing demand for skilled maritime workers.
Dr John de Caestecker, Secretary of Kintyre Seasports, said:
| "We are delighted to receive a Community Capacity Grant from Crown Estate Scotland, already a supporter of Kintyre Seasports' partnership with Campbeltown Sailing Club and the Scottish Association for Marine Science through a CES Environmental Grant to the Sailing Club, to mark more progress in a project - Kintyre Seafarers - that has consistently proven to be a productive delivery vehicle. The CES funding will make a real difference in our efforts to support regeneration of the local community in a way that reflects its strong maritime heritage." |
In Moray, Lossiemouth Community Development Trust has been awarded funding to carry out an options appraisal for the future of West Beach, a much-loved coastal asset facing storm damage, erosion, and the end of Moray Council’s lease in 2027. Working with the landowner, community partners, and the local authority, the Trust aims to develop a sustainable, community-owned model that protects coastal access, supports marine recreation and tourism, and strengthens climate resilience.
Paul Bowden, Acting Chair, Lossiemouth Community Development Trust, said:
| “Lossiemouth's West Beach has been an important part of community life for generations, and this Crown Estate Scotland funding allows us to continue our work toward protecting its long-term future — safeguarding access, enhancing facilities and ensuring this much-loved coastline continues to benefit generations to come.” |
As these projects progress over the coming months and years, we look forward to seeing how they unlock new opportunities, strengthen local capacity, and support the well-being of coastal and rural communities. We are excited to watch these projects take off.
Read more about the Crown Estate Scotland Community Capacity Grants Programme