Latest news with #RobinMcKelvie
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Community buyouts across Scotland search for sustainable incomes
The Community Land Scotland Annual Conference debated how – with a widespread squeeze on public money - the 840 community-owned buyouts around Scotland can address the challenge of long term financial sustainability. Getting a community buyout off the ground is usually hard work, invariably led by enthusiastic and innovative volunteers, aiming to buy land or buildings to benefit people in their community. But, having secured ownership of the property, work then begins to successfully generate regular income to pay the multiple costs - including essential staff - to run the community-owned project. Largo Communities Together was set up in the Fife coastal community in 2017. They are dedicated to enhancing access and local facilities, including pathways and public spaces. They aim to restore Largo pier and improve facilities and access to Largo beach. READ MORE: In order to generate income, access to land is the top priority. Louise Robb, LCT chair, said: "At the moment we have no land and we have no actual sustainable income. Our biggest issue is looking at how we survive sustainably so that we do not have to rely on grant funding. 'One immediate priority is to secure an income for our development officer and that income stream is our biggest challenge.' She added: 'Owning land will allow us to generate income and is essential for our future. It would enable us to make our own choices about what we could cultivate on that land, and how it could bring us a small amount of sustainable income, enough to maintain a level of human support for our community. That is key for us.' On the other side of Scotland, the 7000-hectare Knoydart estate was one of the big, iconic, community purchases completed in 1999. The Knoydart Foundation has developed multiple income streams. Each year around 250 deer are culled through stalking, the meat is processed and sold locally, with a tasty discount for Knoydart residents. Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula (Image: Robin McKelvie) The Knoydart community also raises income through campsite accommodation, housing, a local shop and pub, walking tours, construction timber and firewood sales. While the Foundation has significantly increased its self-generated income, it can also point to significant success around repopulating the estate -numbers doubled from 60 to about 120 since 1999. Richard Williams, Project Manager with The Knoydart Foundation, explained: 'It's a lot of work by a lot of very determined people. Land ownership is definitely key to generating sustainable income. It allows an autonomy of decision-making, it allows ideas and projects to evolve and develop. 'There are huge skills and knowledge in the community, and new people have also come in over the last 25 years that have been crucial to success. 'It is absolutely fundamental that each community organisations reaches a point where in income covers costs. Otherwise you are living hand to mouth. You might get two to three years of grant funding for a project but then you are always looking at where the next grant is going to come from. READ MORE: 'So having a baseline of core income from different sources is absolutely fundamental.' Lauren Brook, CEO of Greener Kirkcaldy, said: 'Having a sustainable income has to be a priority if you are going to really benefit your community. We do a lot of community fundraising. We make a special effort to be open with the community about finances and they appreciate the value of what everything costs. 'We have found that the community really want to contribute. One of the main things I have found is that people are willing to pay for events and services. People want to help and they want to contribute.' 'You have to be prepared to take risks, you have to persevere, you have to adapt. And if your project isn't working, you have to let it go. Some groups are reluctant to call a stop when they have started. But if it isn't working, best to leave it and move on.' Sustainable income streams for many in the community land sector means wind turbines and the income they generate. Julia Campbell, Development Officer for Coigach Community Development Company, said: 'The one turbine the community owns in Coigach is crucial to generating our own income and I'm not sure what we would do without it.' Coigach, in Wester Ross, shares universal rural problems: falling school numbers, lack of housing, lack of available land. Coigach (Image: Coigach Community Development Company) 'It was obvious that public funding would be difficult and if we wanted anything done we needed to do it ourselves', Ms Campbell added. 'One thing we had lots of in Coigach was wind and a turbine was the obvious thing to go for and it has helped us hugely. Community buyouts are a successful model.' Dr Josh Doble, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Community Land Scotland, said: 'The vast majority of community buyouts are resilient, success stories, with communities demonstrating ingenuity and creativity in raising funds for an initial purchase and finding means to support the community longer term. But our members do face challenges making their business models resilient and it was great to discuss that at our conference. 'There are lots of fantastic ideas out there about how to generate income from accommodation to recreation, to shops and rentals and venison. 'But we know there is still a long way to go and, nationally, less than three percent of Scotland's land is in community hands. If communities do not own the land, then their opportunities for economic development are seriously limited. 'We will continue to press for public policy that supports the army of people who are working to help their communities, their environment and deliver vital services across Scotland, often on a voluntary basis. 'It is people at community level who know their areas best and who know what will work most successfully for them. They have the ideas and the strategies, we just need to ensure that they have an enabling environment in which they can flourish and build on the fantastic work they're already doing.'
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Forget glamping, here are Scotland's best sites for real campers
So in a country where free wild camping is enshrined in our culture are there even any decent campsites that still take actual tents? The good news is twofold - there are and there are some crackers to suit even the most reluctant camper. Beecraigs (Image: Robin McKelvie) Beecraigs This is a no frills site for Central Belters who want to avoid dragging the kids off on an interminable drive in search of somewhere beyond the reach of Google Maps in the dreich mists of Skye. The rolling Bathgate Hills are home to this campsite set in the thick woodland of the Beecraigs Country Park. One major plus is that there is a resident deer herd so you can snare seriously fresh venison to cook over the campfire. There is a fitness course in the park, as well as a lovely walk around the reservoir built by German prisoners of war in 1914. Hike up Cockleroy for views; Cairnpapple is even better with Arran to the west and Bass Rock to the east. Cairnpapple is also topped by a Neolithic burial chamber. Camping at Luss (Image: Robin McKelvie) Luss Caravan & Campsite Given some of the more hysterical headlines, you might presume that camping is banned outright on the bonnie bonnie banks. That is fortunately not the case and this trim site is a relaxed hideaway a world away from abandoned supermarket barbeques and flimsy one-off tents that would have been been ashamed to show face at T in the Park. It's right on the loch so you can dip your toes in the cool waters and admire the sweeping views across to the hulk of Ben Lomond, appreciating why Runrig got so excited in the first place. The heritage village of Luss is on hand for shops, cafes and a stroll; Cameron House is close too if you need to escape torrential rain and check into a luxury resort. Comrie Croft (Image: Robin McKelvie) Comrie Croft When I worked on the Cool Camping guides I wasn't really meant to have favourites, but Comrie Croft probably always was the one. It ticks all the boxes and I'd happily send almost everyone I know there. It's beautifully set right on the Highland Boundary Fault betwixt Crieff and Comrie on a tree-shrouded hillside. There are four camping areas and the facilities include a farm shop and mountain bike business. There is a bike skills loop too, as well as rougher single track trails that sit alongside hiking options further up the rugged hillside. Comrie Croft glows with a lovely communal, back to nature vibe – it's how campsites should be. I'd have felt like I'd made a terrible choice arriving here with a six pack of Tennents as a teen, but then probably up ended up sharing a dram with a juggler from Jedburgh and learning yoga from a yogi from Yeovil. It's that sort of oasis. Robin's family at The Sands (Image: Robin McKelvie) The Sands Caravan and Camping This is my favourite family campsite, home to some of my warmest camping memories. And not just of the kids leaping for joy at coming over the dunes and seeing those epic sands, or making a plaything out of an old lifeboat in this seriously fun Wester Ross outpost. It's a playground for adults too. I love hunkering down around a fire here – fires are not always a given on campsites these days – and checking out their well-stocked shop. Once I was dispatched there on a mission to get sausages and a bottle of plonk. I came back with big smile, a hulk of beef from the farm at the site and a bottle of Sauternes, the latter to wash down the Chablis after dinner. The steak in the burgers comes from the farm too. The views are life-affirming, peering out over the marine mammal rich Atlantic waters to the Isle of Skye. Bealach na Ba (Image: free) Applecross I wrote in our camping books that there are not many sites worth blowing your car's gasket over and of this being one. I stick by that. It's a mind-blowing drive over the Bealach na Ba to get here on one of the UK's highest roads. The scenery on the way is like a TV advert for Scotland as Highland massifs soar all around and the cobalt Atlantic blinks back. The effort (and gasket) is worth it as you drop down from the mountains to the wee oasis of Applecross: the sort of trim, whitewashed Highland village that makes you want to start writing postcards again. The epic seafood of the Applecross Inn awaits down the hill from a site with views towards Skye. Order the 'prawns', actually hulking langoustines in this glorious part of the world.
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
I've visited 100 countries but always go back to these Spanish islands – they love Brits & have the best food & beaches
And why the best beaches are found on the overlooked island ISLE GO I've visited 100 countries but always go back to these Spanish islands – they love Brits & have the best food & beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESPITE having travelled to more than 100 countries as my time as a travel writer, the place I always return to is much closer to home. Having first visited the Canary Islands in Spain back in 1998, I've been back at least once a year on holiday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Robin has been visiting the Canary Islands for over 27 years Credit: Robin McKelvie 7 Now he hits the eight islands with his family Credit: Robin McKelvie Here are some of the reasons why it still remains one of my top places to have to go. The locals STILL love the Brits Heard about the anti-tourism protests in the Canaries and wondered if we're still welcome? This year I've been back to four of the eight isles and could not have been more welcomed, with the locals stressing how much they value British visitors. I even stumbled across a counter protest movement with 'Lanzarote Loves Tourism'. The world's most varied archipelago The Canaries are all things to all people. On Tenerife alone you can party at the world's second biggest carnival, bash around the world's best waterpark (Siam Park) and climb a mountain almost three times higher than Britain's Ben Nevis. La Graciosa could be on a different planet. There are no tarmac roads, nevermind an airport. It's a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches. Much more than just British breakfasts You can still tuck into British comfort food across the resorts, but there is far more to savour today. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria boast Michelin star restaurants and foodies flock to Tenerife to dine at eight Michelin star restaurants. Spanish island reveals plans for huge new £4.8billion train routes – connecting beach holiday hotspots 7 There's plenty of good food around - including grilled lobster Credit: Robin McKelvie 7 Robin visited Santa Cruz Beach on the island of Tenerife Credit: Robin McKelvie Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four! And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared one. I dined there just after, with chef Nikki Pavanelli telling me how he reinvents Italian classics using ultra fresh Canarian produce. It's not all posh nosh - my favourite spot is simple, traditional Restaurante Los Abrigos, with as many locals as tourists in the quaint spot by the Atlantic. Ask to view the catch of the day – they'll weigh it and give you a price so you won't get ripped off. 7 The islands are a hit for everyone with sweet treats and drinks Credit: Robin McKelvie Not so Lanzagrotty Michael Palin once unfairly dubbed Lanzarote with this horrible nickname. I've met him since and he insists it was just a joke. In fact Lanzarote is the classiest Canary Isle. It's largely down to one man - madcap artist Cesar Manrique. He persuaded his politician pals to ban huge resorts and tower hotels. He worked on a series of bewitching projects too – he transformed a rubbish tip into the Jameos del Agua, which looks like the lair of James Bond baddy. A great place to stay is family-run Finca de Arrieta , which captures the spirit of Manrique. World-class hiking As a Scot I know when hiking is brilliant. Tenerife has massive variety, as does Gran Canaria, but my top tip is La Palma. I hiked around what the Canarios call 'La Isla Bonita' with Ramble Worldwide earlier this year. It was a joy soaring with our friendly group of largely British retirees up volcanoes, through thick forests and down to the cobalt Atlantic. We witnessed the Tajogaite volcano, created in the massive 2021 eruption you probably saw on TV. It's fascinating to get so close to such recent volcanic activity in an archipelago that is basically just the tips of eight giant volcanoes. 7 La Graciosa, the volcanic island, has good terrain for biking Credit: Robin McKelvie Culture beyond the bars The karaoke bars tempt alongside pubs showing British sports in the resorts. Beyond is an archipelago alive with culture. The original inhabitants – before the Spanish piled in – left their traces with carvings and stories that linger through generations. On Tenerife you've got the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of La Laguna with its gorgeous hanging wooden balconies and the world-class Auditorio de Tenerife. Gran Canaria has the old town of La Vegueta and La Gomera was the last place Columbus stopped en route to the Americas. I love jogging around the Torre del Condo, imagining Columbus here in 1492. Bountiful Beaches This is what most people are drawn by, but some of the best are found on the more overlooked islands. Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle, Fuerteventura. The Parque Natural de Corralejo sports mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches. It's just south of Corralejo, a resort popular with Brits and is easily my favourite Canarian resort. Corralejo offers the best of all worlds. It sports all the touristy trimmings, plus great walking, epic seafood, a real Spanish vibe and brilliant beaches. Real variety too with kitesurfing, day trips to Lanzarote and a big Italian community. In short it's as wonderfully varied as the Canaries.
The Irish Sun
05-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
I've visited 100 countries but always go back to these Spanish islands – they love Brits & have the best food & beaches
DESPITE having travelled to more than 100 countries as my time as a travel writer, the place I always return to is much closer to home. Having first visited the 7 Robin has been visiting the Canary Islands for over 27 years Credit: Robin McKelvie 7 Now he hits the eight islands with his family Credit: Robin McKelvie Here are some of the reasons why it still remains one of my top places to have to go. The locals STILL love the Brits Heard about the This year I've been back to four of the eight isles and could not have been more welcomed, with the locals stressing how much they value British visitors. I even stumbled across a counter protest movement with ' Read more on Spain The world's most varied archipelago The Canaries are all things to all people. On Tenerife alone you can party at the world's second biggest carnival, bash around the nevermind an airport. It's a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches. Most read in Beach holidays Much more than just British breakfasts You can still tuck into British comfort food across the resorts, but there is far more to savour today. Spanish island reveals plans for huge new £4.8billion train routes – connecting beach holiday hotspots 7 There's plenty of good food around - including grilled lobster Credit: Robin McKelvie 7 Robin visited Santa Cruz Beach on the island of Tenerife Credit: Robin McKelvie Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four! And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared one. I dined there just after, with chef Nikki Pavanelli telling me how he reinvents Italian classics using ultra fresh Canarian produce. It's not all posh nosh - my favourite spot is simple, traditional Restaurante Los Abrigos, with as many locals as tourists in the quaint spot by the Atlantic. Ask to view the catch of the day – they'll weigh it and give you a price so you won't get ripped off. 7 The islands are a hit for everyone with sweet treats and drinks Credit: Robin McKelvie Not so Lanzagrotty I've met him since and he insists it was just a joke. In fact It's largely down to one man - madcap artist Cesar Manrique. He persuaded his politician pals to ban huge resorts and tower hotels. He worked on a series of bewitching projects too – he transformed a rubbish tip into the Jameos del Agua, which looks like the lair of James Bond baddy. A great place to stay is family-run World-class hiking As a Scot I know when hiking is brilliant. Tenerife has massive variety, as does Gran Canaria, but my top tip is La Palma. I hiked around what the Canarios call 'La Isla Bonita' with Ramble Worldwide earlier this year. It was a joy soaring with our friendly group of largely British retirees up volcanoes, through thick forests and down to the cobalt Atlantic. We witnessed the It's fascinating to get so close to such recent volcanic activity in an archipelago that is basically just the tips of eight giant volcanoes. 7 La Graciosa, the volcanic island, has good terrain for biking Credit: Robin McKelvie Culture beyond the bars The karaoke bars tempt alongside pubs showing British sports in the resorts. Beyond is an archipelago alive with culture. The original inhabitants – before the Spanish piled in – left their traces with carvings and stories that linger through generations. On Tenerife you've got the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Gran Canaria has the old town of Bountiful Beaches This is what most people are drawn by, but some of the best are found on the more overlooked islands. Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle, The Parque Natural de Corralejo sports mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches. It's just south of easily my favourite Canarian resort. Corralejo offers the best of all worlds. It sports all the touristy trimmings, plus great walking, epic seafood, a real Spanish vibe and brilliant beaches. Real variety too with kitesurfing, day trips to Lanzarote and a big Italian community. In short it's as wonderfully varied as the Canaries. 7 The Canary Islands get a thumbs up from travel writer, Robin Credit: Robin McKelvie
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
I've explored over 100 Scottish islands and these are my top five that rival Skye – one has 14 distilleries
I even know where to find the whiskey walking trail SAY AYE I've explored over 100 Scottish islands and these are my top five that rival Skye – one has 14 distilleries Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DID you know Scotland boasts over 800 islands? I've been travelling the globe for over two decades and hand on tartan heart, Scotland remains my favourite country and its islands unbeatable. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 There are so many islands to explore and the best way is by ferry Credit: Robin McKelvie 6 I popped into a distillery in Ardbeg on the isle of Islay Credit: Robin Mckelvie I love Skye. The problem is so does everyone else. Skye gets ridiculously busy with campervans clogging narrow roads and hordes fighting to the bar in Portree's pubs. The good news is that there are other Scottish isles just as beautiful. I've explored over 100 of them and found many rival Skye – I reckon some isles are even more rewarding for a holiday. Here are five crackers so that you too can dodge the Skye-bound hordes. Arran – 'Scotland in Miniature' Scotland's seventh largest island reclines a stone's throw from Glasgow. The journey is a joy on the swanky new Glen Sannox ferry. Arran is a stunner – mountains soar in the north, rolling hills and sandy beaches charm in the south. A literal Stonesthrow is the new sauna. I've just returned to Arran and it's brilliant fun steaming away with sea views, then plunging into the water. I also went out with the lovely Zoe from Wild Food Arran, who showed me a forest can be a wild supermarket with free food. The food was great at the Drift Inn, with epic views of Holy Isle. Superb too at the Corrie Hotel, a trendy boutique bolthole run by a couple who swapped Manhattan for Arran. Exploring UK Islands: A Journey Through Beautiful Isles (1) 6 The views on Eigg are unbeatable Credit: Robin Mckelvie 6 Islay is the home of great whiskey - and lots of distilleries Credit: Robin McKelvie After a few days on Arran – the only isle with all of Scotland's 'Big Five' wildlife - you'll see why they chose Arran. Islay – Whisky Galore Skye is a whisky amateur compared to gorgeous Islay, slated to soon celebrate its 14th distillery. My favourites – Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig (try spelling those after dramming) – are connected by a walking trail along the rugged wildlife-rich southern coast. Splash out on more expensive tours to discover drams you won't find in the supermarket. They all have lovely bars too. Islay trumps Skye on beaches. Of the necklace of epic sands Machir Bay is my tip for a life-affirming stroll savouring big skies and huge Atlantic breakers. There is of course, a distillery – Kilchoman. E-bikes are a great way to get around and explore Islay's wee whitewashed villages. You'll see why she is hailed the 'Queen of Hebrides'. Eigg – A community-owned oasis Skye's wee southern sister shows what happens when you entrust islanders to run their own affairs. The opposite of Lord of the Flies, the community buy-out in 1997 on Eigg has been a roaring success, bucking the Hebridean trend by significantly growing the population and attracting young families. This real life Treasure Island sports a brewery and a record label. They even became the world's first island to generate all their own energy from green sources. Even the bikes rented out by Eigg Adventures are run on green electricity. As do the spotless (contactless) showers, part of the impressive new An Laimhrig community centre, which houses a shop selling local venison and a cafe alive with local produce. Eigg is jaw-dropping with volcanoes, craggy coast and sweeping beaches (one even 'sings'). Eigg also cannily steals Skye's most impressive mountains as a dramatic backdrop. My kids love Eigg and I love the different ways of living that it readily shares with them. 6 Barra is the best for hiking and incredible views Credit: Robin McKelvie Barra – the Outer Hebrides in Miniature My favourite archipelago on the planet, a 130-mile chain of spirit-soaring isles that ensures you won't miss Skye just across the Minch. If you only have time for one make it Barra, an Outer Hebridean greatest hits. It's all here, from chunky hills and the sort of beaches you thought only existed in brochures, through to a castle on its own islet (Kisimul) and world-class wildlife. Barra charms with the brilliant Bùth Bharraigh , a community info hub that surges to the heart of Barra and waits for you if the last ferry is late. Come by plane to thrill at the world's only scheduled beach landing. Don't miss the Vatersay Boys – if you're lucky they'll be careering through a chaotic session at the Castlebay – and Café Kisimul's delicious local king scallop pakoras. Sanday – Bountiful beaches and welcoming islanders I could give you a dozen Northern Isles to rival Skye, but we've only space for one. The name gives Orkney's Sanday away, with swathes of cotton white sand beaches Skye can only dream of. You'll find an old German warship (B98) wreck at low tide wedged at Lopness. Sanday's community could scarcely be more welcoming. Meet them at the community craft hub and buy art from local creatives. Or maybe meet over a delicious pizza at the UK's most northerly wood-fired pizzeria . Sanday also offers a mysterious broch (an ancient Scottish fortified tower) and prehistoric sites. Hiring a bike is a great way to explore. Kids love poodling around choosing which paradise beach to stop off at next to swim with the seals.
