Inspire Inveraray
Inspire Inveraray maintains community-owned land and assets and works on the development of Inveraray for the benefit of the community.
Company number SC490048
Registered office address: The George Hotel, Main Street East, Inveraray, Argyll & Bute, PA32 8TT
Inspire Projects
The Pier
RESTORATION GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Inspire Inveraray is thrilled to inform you that D.A. MacDonald has officially been awarded the contract for the building restoration works at Inveraray Pier.
For the last few months, our Civil Engineering Partners at MHB Consulting have been doing all of the necessary assessments and administrative works, and we will now move forward with the physical restoration and building works commencing on the 6th of November.
The next steps of the Inveraray Pier Project include developing the everyday business processes of the Pier, completing the building works through the winter, arranging for the grand opening, assessing the Timber portion of the Pier, and beginning fundraising and project management for Phase 2 of the Pier Project.
Phase 2 of the Inveraray Pier Project will expand our marine access points and provide more space for people to enjoy our Pier by developing leisure space, benches, and fishing access points, among other facilities. Phase 2 is also where we can make the most meaningful strides in providing accessible facilities at Inveraray Pier for people with Additional Support Needs or mobility concerns.
Phase 1 of the Pier Project will be completed this winter, with the Pier Opening in April 2024!
While we are not fielding bookings or Pier Membership enquiries at this time, please continue to follow our Facebook Group and Website for any updates as we continue to build our booking amenities. If you have any specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Administrative Pier Project Development Officer, Michelle, at admin@inspireinveraray.scot
The Newsletter
September 2023:
Autumn has arrived with a chill in the air and Inspire Inveraray is working hard on a number of projects!
Read on to learn about our most recent updates and news!
The Pier:
We first want to thank everyone who came to our Open Meeting in August to ask questions, share ideas, and celebrate the momentous occasion of the Community Purchase of our beloved Inveraray Pier. If you missed the Open Meeting and would like a copy of the presentation or business plan we shared on the night, please email us at admin@inspireinveraray.scot.
The deeds are signed and permits arranged. Over the next few weeks, you will notice the restoration and repair work beginning at the Pier; we are starting with the critical health and safety works on the stone portion of the Pier, then continuing to establish our service facilities, such as mooring and anchor points. The Pier will remain closed to pedestrian and marine traffic through the winter to allow our crew to work quickly and safely. With plans to open the Stone Pier to the public in April!
For the most up-to-date news about The Pier, Tide Levels, and On-shore Facilities, visit our website: https://inveraraypier.scot/
The Inspire Inveraray Board of Trustees and our Pier Development Officer are now looking toward continuing the restoration of the Pier through Phase 2 Operations, where we will address the Timber Pier. We are now beginning the fundraising process for Phase 2, with the goal of raising £25,000 in individual gifts and £75,000 in corporate and grants-based funding.
If you are interested in making a financial contribution to Inveraray Pier, please email Development@inspireinveraray.scot to learn more.
The Inveraray Community Hall:
Inspire Inveraray has commissioned glic consultancy to survey the local community and visitors for a conclusive decision on whether the derelict community hall should be restored or if a new hall should be commissioned. The results of the survey will be available by December 2023.
We will use this community consultation to develop a cohesive plan of action leading to a community asset that can provide space and facilities for community services that will make a difference in the community’s well-being.
Opening a community hall will benefit the social development of the local community by encouraging family and community gatherings. There would be renewed opportunities for small local entrepreneurial businesses, employment, and for neighbouring communities to reconnect.
We know that our predecessors had attempted to address the challenge of our Community Hall, and we hope the community will support this renewed project. The New Board of Inspire Inveraray has analysed the resources left behind by the previous leadership and found a lack of a cohesive plan and data that is no longer relevant to the needs of our ever-changing community in a post-COVID world. Through this survey and the combined talent of our specialised team of Volunteer and Professional collaborators, we know that we have the skills to add the Community Hall to our growing portfolio of community assets.
Updates from Linda and The Community Council:
After the success of warm spaces last year, we’re hoping to start again at the start of October; the George Hotel, Loch Fyne Hotel, and Inveraray Inn are all looking to welcome you all back again.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
Mark your calendars! The Inveraray Christmas Light Switch On is
Saturday, the 2nd of December!
The parade will start at the Co-op car park at 6:30 pm, led by the Mid-Argyll Pipe Band, then stopping at The Green, where Tommy and Jennifer Evans will switch lights on.
Santa will be in his grotto at the fire station, and the Inveraray Shinty Club will run the bar.
Evans Kiddie Rides will be there for the kids to enjoy while waiting to see Santa.
This year, a one-night Christmas Market will be outside the Inveraray Inn and Londis (Thanks to Kenny and Geaspar at the Inveraray Inn)!
All funds raised on this night will go to a new fund, The ARCK Fund, set up in memory of our two local boys, Alan and Ross, who were taken far too young. The ARCK Fund will be used to help the clubs of Inveraray that look out for our kids.
More details about both of these projects will follow shortly; if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Linda Divers and the Community Council at inveraray@btinternet.com.
If you are interested in hosting a stall at the Christmas Market, please contact Linda Divers or Any Member of the Community Council for details.
Call for Board Members!
Inspire Inveraray is an organisation created to support and develop our community so it can continue to thrive for many years to come. With this mission in mind, we have an article in our by-laws intended to protect the longevity of our organisation and community assets wherein we must elect a member of the Board between the Ages of 18 and 25 years old.
Do you know any community-minded young people who might be interested in this opportunity?
If so, email the Board at director@inspireinveraray.scot.
Notice To Membership:
We invite all members of the Inveraray community to come along to our AGM on Thursday 30th November in the Nicoll Hall at 7.00pm for an update of activity over the past year.
Each year two of our longest standing directors stand down and there is an opportunity for two new members of the community to stand for election. If you are interested in standing for election, please email Inspire Inveraray at admin@inspireinveraray.scot
ALL WELCOME!
Warm Spaces
After the success of ‘Warm Spaces’ last year, it resumes again at the start of October in the George Hotel, Loch Fyne Hotel, and Inveraray Inn are all looking to welcome you all back again.
Dates and Venues appear on the HOME PAGE.
The Inveraray Community Hall
Inspire Inveraray has commissioned glic consultancy to survey the local community and visitors for a conclusive decision on whether the derelict community hall should be restored or if a new hall should be commissioned. The results of the survey will be available by December 2023.
The Fyne Community Shed
A location for the Mens’ shed has still to be found and an application has been submitted for £10,000 from Awards for All.
