Main employer on Scottish island to leave after over 50 years
Based at the Hebridean Centre in Ballyhaugh, it has helped young people volunteer around the world for decades, including award-winning actress Tilda Swinton.
But, citing rising 'running costs' amongst other issues, it will be moving elsewhere.
READ MORE: JD Vance panned for 'lies about Scotland' ahead of luxury Ayrshire holiday
Steve Price-Thomas, chair of Project Trust, said: "The Board of Trustees at Project Trust has recently announced a change to its operating model and its intention to sell its properties on Coll.
"The Covid pandemic necessitated a significant change to Project's operating model with volunteer selection courses being held online. While this was initially anticipated to be a temporary measure it is now clear that this model far better matches the expectations of young people in the 2020s and has been very successful.
"As a result, the residential facilities at Ballyhaugh (the Hebridean Centre) are used for only three weeks of the year. Running costs for the Hebridean Centre are significant, and as a charity, the board cannot justify retaining property that is costly to maintain and greatly underused.
"Meanwhile, although Volunteer numbers have been slowly rising since Covid, the current situation is not sustainable and there is a need to release funds and replenish reserves in order to secure Project Trust for the long term. As a result, after long and very careful consideration, the Board has concluded that we must sell our remaining properties on Coll.
"They will be put on the market in the spring of 2025.
"The Board's aim is to safeguard employment and ensure the charity is ready to face any future challenges. Over 75% of staff already work remotely and the intention is to move to a 100% virtual staffing model, including those living and working on Coll.
"Project Trust is proud of its Scottish heritage and is committed to retaining Volunteer activities in Scotland and, as was the case in Project Trust's early days, the charity will rent a residential centre in Scotland for training and debriefing.
"Since the pandemic, Project Trust's presence and financial impact on the Isle of Coll have been much reduced. The sale of underused property has the potential to have a positive impact on the people and economy of the Isle of Coll and we hope that this is the case.
"The Isle of Coll will always be central to Project Trust's history. Generations of Volunteers and staff are deeply grateful to the Coll community for being an integral part of their Project Trust experience."
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