Community action for a greener future
The GRAB Trust was awarded £5,000 of funding from the Nadara A’Chruach Community Benefit Fund to tackle waste and recycling challenges across Argyll and Bute.
The GRAB Trust is an Argyll-based environmental charity and social enterprise founded in 1999 to tackle waste and recycling challenges across Argyll and Bute. It delivers a portfolio of community-focused projects, including the Beaches and Marine Litter Project (BMLP), school education workshops, and ReMake Argyll — a repair and upcycling initiative that helps people breathe new life into everyday items. The Trust engages over 1,000 people in clean-up events annually and reaches approximately 1,600 schoolchildren each year through its education programme.
The £5,000 award supported the delivery of a programme of community environmental events across mid-Argyll, spanning two programmes: ReMake Argyll repair cafés and seasonal workshops, BMLP school education sessions, and beach clean-up activities.
What the Grant Delivered
Between September 2025 and the summer of 2026, the Trust delivered seven Repair Cafés in Lochgilphead — exceeding its original target — including three specialist Textile Repair Cafés focused on reducing clothing waste. Seasonal workshops were held at venues including Ardrishaig Community Hall and Kilmartin Museum, working with partners such as the MS Centre, local Scout groups, and Dochas Carers Centre.
The Trust also hosted its first Community Repair Day in Lochgilphead, with local experts helping people to repair and recycle a range of items and textiles.
The Volunteer Coordinator described the atmosphere as one of genuine collaboration:
| “It gave people the chance to do a good spring clean and get all of their items ready and repaired for spring… it was a relaxed, nice atmosphere to spend time in.” |
Eight school workshops were delivered through the BMLP, working with Lochgilphead Primary School and Riverside Rascals Nursery. Sessions covered topics from microplastics to creative waste repurposing.
In the Curiosity Café — delivered in partnership with Lochgilphead primary school — over 25 children dismantled items, explored mechanics and used tools independently.
The class teacher said that:
| “It was incredibly motivating and it was a pleasure to see the children so engaged and immersed in creativity.” |
Children’s own words captured the impact:
| “You can save money and help save the earth” - Iona, age 7. |
| "Screwdrivers are so amazing. You have to remember where the pieces go" – George, age 8. |
Litter-picking equipment was loaned to five community groups, supporting events that collected around 50 bags of waste. Existing stock was found to be in good condition, meaning unspent litter kit budget was redirected towards direct community engagement.
Impact
In total, 338 individuals directly benefited, with actual reach likely higher given that participation in community beach cleans is not always fully recorded. Around two-thirds of items brought to repair events were successfully fixed, diverting waste from landfill — including textiles, audio equipment, bikes, and even a 100-year-old Singer sewing machine.
Fit with Fund Criteria
This project met fund priorities around community events, health and wellbeing, children and young people, developing new skills, and building social networks. It reached isolated older residents, carers, young families and schoolchildren — connecting people across a remote rural area whilst delivering measurable environmental benefit.
Conclusion
Thanks to support from the Nadara A’Chruach Community Benefit Fund, The GRAB Trust was able to expand its reach and deliver an impactful programme of practical environmental activities that brought people together, built skills, and reduced waste across mid-Argyll. By combining repair, education and community action, the project not only diverted valuable items from landfill but also inspired people of all ages to adopt more sustainable behaviours.
The success of the programme demonstrates how a relatively modest investment can generate significant environmental, educational and social impact, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities while supporting Argyll and Bute’s transition towards a more circular economy.
Read more about the Nadara A’Chruach Community Benefit Fund.