Breathing New Life into Inveraray's Historic Waterfront
Funding awarded by the An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund to regenerate a local community asset to benefit both residents and visitors.
The historic Inveraray Wooden Pier, built in 1877, had become unsafe and was closed to public use. Inspire Inveraray recognised that regenerating this community asset could significantly boost local tourism and provide enhanced facilities for both visitors and residents. The pier's restoration would improve berthing access for small cruise ships like the Hebridean Princess, increase private boat visits, and create local leisure opportunities for fishing and water sports on Loch Fyne.
With a total project cost of over £250,000, the first step was to secure £9,000 from the An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund towards essential preliminary work, including surveys and detailed drawings.
The project emerged from comprehensive community consultation, with Inspire Inveraray's Community Action Plan surveying 167 residents, representing 28% of the local population. This consultation provided clear evidence of community support for the pier's restoration.
Inspire Inveraray appointed MHB Consultants to produce detailed designs and drawings for the restoration work. These technical documents would serve multiple purposes: providing accurate cost estimates, demonstrating the project's feasibility to potential funders, and ensuring all work met appropriate safety and environmental standards.
Throughout the planning process, Inspire Inveraray maintained close liaison with Marine Scotland and other relevant authorities to protect the local environment. The organisation is committed to using environmentally sustainable methods and materials, reflecting their broader responsibility to enhance community assets whilst respecting the natural setting of Loch Fyne.
The initial grant funding was allocated slightly over budget, with total costs reaching £9,758.46 against the £9,000 award. This minor overspend had been anticipated and demonstrated the organisation's realistic approach to project planning and financial management.
The process proved invaluable for developing the volunteer trustees' and administrators' grant application skills. Through experience of both successes and setbacks, the team gained a practical understanding of funding timescales, governance requirements, and the importance of building positive relationships with funders.
Beyond the practical outcomes of obtaining professional drawings and costings, the grant award generated significant community confidence.
Residents saw tangible evidence that the ambitious pier restoration was achievable and that external funders recognised the competence and commitment of the volunteer-led organisation.
This boost in community belief proved as valuable as the financial support itself, creating momentum for the challenging fundraising phase ahead. The successful grant application demonstrated that Inspire Inveraray could deliver professional project management whilst maintaining a strong community. The detailed drawings and technical specifications now provide a solid foundation for approaching other funding bodies. The project was designed with long-term sustainability at its core, ensuring that once restored, the pier would remain operational for decades whilst delivering cumulative benefits to the community.
The next phase focuses on leveraging the professional drawings and detailed costings to secure the remaining £250,000 needed for full restoration. The technical documentation provides credible evidence for funders, whilst the proven track record of successful grant management strengthens future applications.
Read more about the An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund