Kerrera Old School- a New Community Hub

by Aideen Shields in Kerrera, Scotland, United Kingdom

We did it
On 18th December 2020 we successfully raised £6,700 ( + est. £347.50 Gift Aid ) with 127 supporters in 34 days

Help support our project to create a new and much needed community hub on Kerrera- and you could get some unique island rewards!

by Aideen Shields in Kerrera, Scotland, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

We are thoroughly delighted with the support and generosity shown to our wee island community through this campaign- THANK YOU!!! We've extended the campaign by a few more days, so this is your last chance to claim some unique island rewards! All proceeds will go directly to renovating the old school- there is a lot of work to do to make our building into a warm, safe, welcoming and successful community facility. We have a strong team and we've taken time to make careful plans- now we're ready to make real progress! We have already fund raised to fix our roof, and once we get new windows, doors and exterior walls, then we'll be ready to start work on the interior walls. We also want to add an extension to our toilet block to include a shower and a new kitchen. With your help- our island community are making real and exciting progress! Thank you!


*Please note* we cannot guarantee that Sea Tea Rewards ordered after 6pm on the 15th Dec, will arrive in time for Christmas.* 

While there's an abundance of stunning scenery, the Isle of Kerrera boasts little in the way of facilities for the 68 strong community or the 15,000 annual visitors.  We want to change that and create a new and much needed community hub, right in the centre of the island. You can help us- and get yourself some incredible rewards! These are perfect for a unique and thoughtful Christmas gift for your friends or family!

Following years of efforts and dedicated energy from the volunteer board of the Isle of Kerrera Development Trust- the islanders are delighted to finally own their first ever community building. The IKDT purchased the old primary school building in July 2019, thanks to the Scottish Land Fund. Now we need to raise around £25,000 by community fundraising for the renovations- in particular for new windows and doors and to fix the walls- and that's where we need your help!

1605089987_kerrera_islanders_standing_outside_old_school_-_edited.jpg

A new Community Hub in the Old School

This new facility will mean that our thousands of annual visitors will be able to use the flushing toilets, access drinking water, buy island produce, learn about island life and even stay overnight in unique accommodation. There is no school, doctor, library, post office, shop or pub on Kerrera- islanders need to travel to the mainland for all services. With the last scheduled public ferry at 6pm, opportunities to take part in any sports, cultural or social activities are very limited. We plan to change all that and renovate the old school to create a simple, fit-for-purpose community centre, right in the heart of the island.

With it's first ever community building, islanders will have a place to meet, to learn, socialise and develop lasting relationships and memories. The 19 island children can attend playgroups, classes and after school activities. Islanders can keep fit, learn to dance, discuss their favourite books and have meetings to continue and develop island projects. Birthdays, weddings, Halloween and Christmas parties will all have a home.  The benefits of the new centre are undeniable and will be genuinely life-changing.

Fantastic Selection of Exclusive Island Rewards!

We've compiled an amazing selection of rewards for you- ranging from simple acknowledgement on our donor wall or a tin of wonderful Sea Tea and an island tote bag, to a unique chance to experience the island like a farmer, feeding the friendly cows or cute pet lambs. There's a chance for a weekend stay with dinner- or even a full blown private island event (all following covid guidance of course) in our wonderful new island marquee- perhaps this is the location for your dream wedding!

Please help us to give our much loved old island building a new lease of life! Help our island community reduce the impact of social isolation and finally have a shared space to meet, socialise, learn and thrive! Help us to make the island a more visitor-friendly destination, and please be sure to come to visit us and tell all your friends!

All rewards will be arranged in line with current government guidance regarding coronavirus at the time of booking. Activities and tours are suitable for families (max 5 people from one household), except for the "Cuddle the Cows"- this is limited to the size of the quad trailer (maximum two adults and one child). Should any activity need to be rearranged, we will do our best to provide a suitable alternative. 

For the private hire of the island marquee, please note that the marquee can be available up to 7pm (last available ferry) unless otherwise arranged. Hire includes tables and chairs for up to 30 people, electricity supply and access to toilet facilities. Please get in touch to discuss your idea!

For further information about any of these rewards or activities, please contact: [email protected]


Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£25 or more

66 of 75 claimed

Plant an oak tree on Kerrera

Islanders are planning a small woodland in the centre of Kerrera and we have 50 oak tree saplings available for you to dedicate to loved ones. This is a perfect gift on so many levels. You will receive an online certificate and a map showing location of your tree- and the super, warm fuzzy feeling of not just supporting our island community, but helping to save the planet!

£5 or more

£5/£10/£20+ Warm and Fuzzy Reward

Your name will be added to our list of generous donors online but you don't need any further reward, just that warm fuzzy feeling of donating to a good cause!

£10 or more

£10 Warm and Fuzzy Reward

Your name will be added to our list of generous donors online, plus you get that warm fuzzy feeling of donating to a good cause!

£25 or more

26 of 36 claimed

£25 Taste of Kerrera- Unique Sea Tea and Tote Bag

Treat yourself or your friends to a literal taste of the beautiful Isle of Kerrera, with a tin of speciality Sea Tea, handmade on Kerrera by Rowan Glen using foraged ingredients. This is a blend especially for this campaign, with organic lemon balm, organic chamomile, organic and wild nettle, dulce seaweed, wild gorse and wild thyme from Kerrera. This comes beautifully presented along with a cotton island branded tote bag.

£30 or more

2 of 5 claimed

Moth Trapping Experience

Moths often give even the most beautiful butterflies a run for their money! Kerrera's resident lepidopterist, Ann McGregor, (recently commended by David Attenborough!) will meet you at 9am at the old school. Overnight a light trap will attract the moths- you will help to open the trap and record all the species. You can hold some and see how beautiful they are! Over 380 have been recorded! Tea/coffee provided. Suitable for kids, Mar-Aug

£300 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Dedicated chainsaw sculpture on island trail

Using felled island trees, a local artist will create a unique chainsaw sculpture in your name. From selected options, you can choose what the sculpture will be and where it will be sited on the island. A plaque will display your dedication. This is a wonderful way to support our community and create a special piece of art for island visitors to enjoy for years to come!

£1,200 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Party! Hire our marquee for your private event!

An island wedding? Birthday party? Work day out?! This is a unique chance for a get together in our brand new 6m x 12m marquee, sited behind the Old School. Price includes tables and chairs for up to 30 people and use of toilet facilities and electricity for up to 7hrs. Events subject to government guidance and availability. Email for further information and to discuss the exciting possibilities!

£30 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Visit the Seal Colony- one hour boat trip

This one hour boat trip (2 adults, 2 kids) has kindly been donated by Allan Strang’s Seal Trips. This adventure on the MV Purple Heather starts from Oban's Railway Pier, then sails across Oban Bay past Dunollie Castle and Hutchinson's Monument on Kerrera to the seal colony in the Firth of Lorne. You'll have great views to Mull and Lismore, and abundance of wildlife to spot- not forgetting of course the seals! Weather permitting, Season 2021.

£75 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Guided walking tours of south Kerrera, 2-3hrs

Guided by island resident Iri Munoz who is a Yellow Badge guide with Scottish Tourist Guides Association. Kerrera has a great history despite its small size and it was quite an important landmark from the 1200's - WW2. You will follow the path from the ferry via Horseshoe Bay, passing Dal Righ (the King's Field) where King Alexander II famously died in 1249. Ending at the majestic ruins of Gylen Castle, to enjoy the picture perfect south coast.

£75 or more

3 of 3 claimed

Visit Balliemore Farm and feed the lambs!

Great for families! Visits available from March, depending on when the lambs are born and needing to be fed. Gill- who grew up on Kerrera, will be delighted to help you bottle feed the new Balliemore lambs and introduce you to their friendly pigs. No doubt that the clever farm dogs would like a cuddle too! A true immersion into island life- be sure to wear wellies! Tasty Highland Fold organic ice cream is included :)

£100 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Eagle Spotting Winter Nature Walk, 4hrs

You'll be in good hands with islander Ann McGregor to explore the wild side of Kerrera! Ann has years of experience working on island farms, along with a passion for wildlife and photography. When it comes to eagles, she knows her stuff and will take you to her trail camera, where white-tailed sea eagles and golden eagles are regular visitors. You may see buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks, otters, seals & goats too! NB. sightings not guaranteed

£100 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Name a Highland Cow!

This is your chance to name one of these gorgeous pedigree cows for life! Your chosen name will be entered on their certificate and registered with the Highland Cattle Society. Due to be born in the Spring - we will send you a photograph of your heifer calf along with a copy of their pedigree certificate. This really is a truly unique gift for a loved one!

£150 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Groom a Highland Coo!

To get ready for the Highland shows, these gorgeous pedigree Highland cows are primped and preened to look their best- and they do look fabulous! Did you know there are special industrial hairdryers for styling Highland cows? This is your chance to visit Ardentrive Farm and help to beautify one of their fold- and have an amazing photoshoot! 2-3hrs, suitable for families in April/May.

£180 or more

2 of 2 claimed

2 nights at Kerrera Bunkhouse with evening meal

Come stay on the island for a two nights with your partner or (up to 5) pals in the much-loved Kerrera Bunkhouse. Price includes a delicious two course dinner on one night, which you can enjoy in The Byre- a truly wonderful setting for a wee get together. It has a large dining table, wood burning stove, comfy couches and views of Gylen Castle and the sea. Available Feb - May 2021 subject to availability (except Easter/bank holidays).

£200 or more

2 of 2 claimed

“Cuddle the Cows”- a unique opportunity!

Farmer Sheila McGregor will meet you off the ferry, then you will help get the hay from the shed to feed the cows. Once loaded up, you'll travel in the quad bike trailer across the island to the herd on the west side. You will feed the cows and get to cuddle Joanie, the super friendly pet cow who loves a tickle. This quiet herd of Luing cattle are known for their nice temperament. A unique insight into the farming life- with spectacular views!

£200 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Mackerel Fishing Trip for 6 people

This 3 hour fishing trip for 6 people is generously donated by Jack McGregor of Argyll Sea Tours. You will board the MV Creagallan at the Oban Times slip, to meet your experienced captain who will guide you to some idyllic mackerel fishing spots around the coast of Oban and Kerrera. All equipment is provided, available Spring/Summer 2021

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