Welcome to Isle of Kerrera Development Trust
The Isle of Kerrera is set in the mouth of Oban Bay, acting as a natural breakwater for this important West coast harbour. Although it is so close to the bustling tourist centre of Oban, it is a world apart, something that is of great value to the island’s c.40 residents.
Unfortunately, the population has declined steadily over the last century, from over 100 people in 1861, when the island was part of an old drove route for cattle from Mull to the mainland, to today’s levels. Such statistics demonstrate the fragility of Kerrera’s community and highlight the potential for Kerrera to lose its unique identity, as without a viable ‘local’ community the island will undoubtedly lose its character and its guardians. The fall in population has already led to the loss of some of the island’s key facilities, including the school which closed in 1997.
The picture is not all bleak. The population has started to grow again and those who currently live on Kerrera form a strong and united community. Where some would see despondency, Kerrera’s community see a challenge. Like all small communities, Kerrera will rely on the enthusiasm and drive among its inhabitants, and the Island is fortunate in that its population is relatively young and active. Working together, the community formed a Residents Association, which has now evolved into the Island of Kerrera Development Trust. Through the Trust, the Island will continue to grow into the future as a sustainable community with a healthy population; surviving in the face of modern development.
The Island is also lucky that Dunollie Estate and the other landowners are fully supportive of the community’s efforts, together with a host of agencies and statutory bodies ready to offer advice, support and funding. The island’s community body have set the pendulum in motion through the employment of an Island Co-ordinator to help manage the initial projects identified by the community. The post was facilitated through funding secured from Big Lottery, Whelk Leader +, HIE, Argyll and Bute Council and the Sealgair Trust.
To support the work undertaken by the Island, it was decided a Community Development Plan should be drawn up so as to set out the hopes and aspirations of the community, identified through extensive consultation and effective communication among the islanders. The Kerrera Community Development Plan was published in May 2008; it will act as Kerrera’s ‘voice’ in the wider community and will lay out a path for the Island to follow into the future.
Over the next 5 years, through the delivery of this plan Kerrera has set itself the following targets:
• To increase Kerrera’s resident population by 30%;
• To build at least 4 new affordable houses for rent;
• To permanently link both ends of the island;
• To create 5 permanent island based jobs;
• To make Kerrera a 100% renewable energy island;
• To complete 5 community 'Flagship Projects' taken from this Plan;
• To make Kerrera a quality tourist destination and improve visitor satisfaction; and
• To maintain the number of farm businesses at current levels.
Download the Kerrera Development Plan here. (PDF file - 2.21MB)
ISLE OF KERRERA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN:
CO-ORDINATORS REPORT – November 2008
CO-ORDINATORS REPORT – July 2008
CO-ORDINATORS REPORT – May 2008
CO-ORDINATORS REPORT – January 2008
Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association for the Isle of Kerrera Development Trust
PROJECTS
Renewable Energy:
Renewables Scoping Visit Report
Community Pre-feasibility Report
Community Centre:
Draft summary business plan for the old Kerrera School House, prepared for Argyll and Bute Council Area Committee meeting, April 2008.
IKDT METINGS - MINUTES:
