Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite
Sleat Community Trust
CADISPA ~ University of StrathclydeGeoff Fagan . Ruth McKain . Ian Miller
Community Planning Appraisal
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
To help local people make their community more sustainable
• To provide you with the opportunity to identify issues of concern
• To allow you to explore solutions to these problems• To identify the economic potential of the area • To begin identifying key people, organisations and
skills in the area• To draw the above together and develop an action plan,
based on the principle of sustainable development• To progress the development of the area according to
the desires and needs of the local people
What are the aims of the survey?
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Sustainable Development?
For community initiatives to succeed and be sustainable, the effort must come from
within the community and be supported by the community.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
• Map• Statistical
information• History,
archaeology and landuse
• Geology and wildlife
Sleat – the Background
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The Sleat Appraisal
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
1. Role of the community2. Role of government and external agencies3. Economic considerations4. Social issues5. The natural environment6. Culture and heritage7. Transport and infrastructure8. Tourism9. The future
The Sleat Appraisal
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Who are you?
Age range
Time resident in Sleat
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16-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66-75 76+
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
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<10K
10-15K
15-25K
25-35K
35K+
%
Who are you?
Employed 37.8 %Retired 28.7 %Self-employed 17.7 %Student 7.6 %Unemployed 4.3 % (cf 6.4% for
Scotland)
Salary range
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The development of Sleat must be led by people living in Sleat – 91%
People in Sleat must be involved – 99.6%
A strong and united community is needed – 92.7%
1. The role of the community
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The development of Sleat must be undertaken only by people living in Sleat
1. The role of the community
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StronglyAgree
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Key Issues: inclusive decision-making, partnerships, leadership quality
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Successful development must be based on a ‘partnership’ between agencies and the local community – 91.5%
2. Government and agencies
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StronglyAgree
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84.8% did not wish to exclude external organisations.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Local people can play an active part in community development only if government and external agencies provide support and advice
2. Government and agencies
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Key Issues: partnerships (91.5%) and empowerment of local communities (78.3%) are key to working with external agencies.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Agencies that might contribute positively:• Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise• Highland Council• Highlands and Islands Enterprise• Scottish Natural Heritage• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds• National Lotteries Charities Board
And those that might hold back development: • Scottish Natural Heritage• Local Authority Planning Department• Highland Council• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
2. Government and agencies
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
3. Economic considerations
Economic considerations must be central to plans for developing Sleat – 79.9%
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
But not to the exclusion of all else – 87.8%
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
3. Economic considerations
Crofting and agriculture in Sleat are no longer important to the economy of Sleat
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Interestingly only 7% is employed in this sector.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The use of new technology is vital for Sleat’s future development – 82.9%
3. Economic considerations
Widening the range of skills and businesses present in the area will strengthen the local economy – 92%
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
3. Economic considerations
The high quality of life
roads
public transport
ITC infrastructure
Broadband
affordable housing
What is benefiting / holding back development:
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Improving the standard of community facilities (such as community buildings) is essential if Sleat is to develop successfully – 82.9%
4. Social issues
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Opportunities to come together are a key factor in successful development - 87.8%.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has an important role to play in community development in Sleat.
4. Social issues
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StronglyAgree
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
How active do you feel you are in attending or taking part in community events and groups? – 67.7%
4. Social issues
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Highly Active Active Not at all
84.8 % feel they are part of the local community.
35.4 % are involved in organising social and community events
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community TrustSabhal Mor Ostaig 55SEALL Arts 32Community Halls 23Club Film 15Local shop/produce 12Sports facilities 11Armadale Castle 11Church 10Post Office 9Heath Centre 6Mobile library 5
4. Services important to you
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
?Swimming Pool 42General leisure facilities 16Community Hall upgrade 31Facilities for young people and teenagers 21Medical / health centre 19Public transport 17Year round local shop 16Community events e.g. ceilidhs, craft fairs 15SMO catering for non-Gaelic community members 12Year round café 11Childcare 11Evening classes 9Banking 6Internet and Broadband 6
4. Services lacking
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The conservation of Sleat’s environment is vital to the future development of the area – 93.9%
5. The Natural environment
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StronglyAgree
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Also 94.5 % of respondents agree that the high environmental quality of Sleat is an economic asset
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
But 28% feel economic considerations should come first in development.
5. The Natural environment
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StronglyAgree
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Ways in which you feel that the quality of the natural environment is of benefit :-
• Tourism – attracting tourists to Sleat• Quality of the scenery• High quality of life
5. The Natural environment
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The concerns include :-
• Waste management, pollution, fly tipping, litter, sewage30
• Physical management of landscape by farmers / crofters etc 20
• Windfarm development14
• Neglected and poorly maintained buildings11
• Road building – needs to be well landscaped11
5. The Natural environment
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
How important do you feel the following elements of culture and heritage are in the future development of Sleat? 1=not important, 5 = very important
The landscape 4.08Youth Culture 4.04Gaelic language, culture, music 4.02Access to a variety of cultural activities4.00Local history 3.93Crofting and agriculture 3.73Sport 3.72The church 2.90
6. Culture and heritage
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
When development conflicts with the culture and heritage of the local area, it should not be allowed to proceed
6. Culture and heritage
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
92.4 % agree that the culture and heritage of Sleat is an economic asset to the area.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Gaelic language and culture are not important aspects of the culture and heritage of Sleat
6. Culture and heritage
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
85.9 % believe that Gaelic culture is an economic asset to the area.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The cultural development of Sleat should be as varied and diverse as possible – 85.9%
6. Culture and heritage
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
An efficient and integrated public transport and ferry service is vital to the Sleat’s future development – 96.6%
7. Transport and infrastructure
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StronglyAgree
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72.8 % believe that better provision for private transport is vital to Sleat’s development
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The current provision of electricity, water and sewage services is adequate for the community in Sleat – 58.9%
7. Transport and infrastructure
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StronglyAgree
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The development of Sleat is dependent on an upgraded telecommunications service – 74.7%
7. Transport and infrastructure
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StronglyAgree
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
There are adequate opportunities for people in Sleat to recycle waste and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner – 89.7% concerned
7. Transport and infrastructure
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StronglyAgree
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The development of Sleat is dependent on the provision of improved Health Services – 71.4%
7. Transport and infrastructure
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StronglyAgree
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There is enough affordable housing available to those who need it in Sleat at present – 87.5% disagree 0
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Planning regulations have a positive impact on the development of Sleat – opinion is split
7. Transport and infrastructure
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StronglyAgree
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The right of local communities to purchase land is vital to the successful long-term development of Sleat – 72.4%
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
7. Transport and infrastructure
Daily / evening bus serviceRoads and footpaths in a state of disrepair Bus / ferry / train services are not co-ordinated Winter ferry services, and ferry services in general Community transport, for elderly and young people Affordable housing Local health / medical centre Broadband (especially for businesses) Recycling facilities Appropriate sewage treatment Planning legislation too restrictive on development
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Tourism is critical to the long-term sustainability of Sleat – 89%
8. Tourism
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
47% are involved in the tourist industry0
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
The development of community facilities will encourage visitors to the area – 84.8%
8. Tourism
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StronglyAgree
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91.1% of respondents disagree that development of facilities for tourism should take priority over facilities for the community.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Sleat already receives enough visitors: it doesn’t need to attract any more – 19.5%
8. Tourism
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StronglyAgree
Agree Disagree StronglyDisagree
Second-homes and holiday-homes are an asset to Sleat’s economy – 35.1%
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
• Wet weather facilities for tourists and residents
• An official campsite / caravanning site• Footpaths and cycle paths• Proper Information Office• Better hospitality and welcome• More eating places, especially in the winter• More high quality accommodation• Control over number of holiday homes• Danger of over-reliance on the tourist industry• Local needs must come before those of visitors
8. Tourism Needs
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
I like living in Sleat because . . . • Scenery and wildlife, the sea, the hills• Peace and quiet, rural, no tall buildings, no
cars• People who live there - my friends, my
family• Things to do - fishing, school, football pitch• Places to go - Knock castle, the pier• Gaelic history, Clan Donald, speaking
Gaelic, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig• The Sheep
Youth and children
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
I would like :-• Swimming pool, sports centre, cycle path,
skate park, village hall, arcade, pizza hut, pet shop, sweet shop
• Youth group• Better roads, better ferry• Jobs• HousingPlease change : • Wildlife and plants e.g. trees, midges, weeds• The weather
Youth and children
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
To make Sleat a better place, I would be willing to:
• Raise money, sell cookies, sell ferrets, car boot sale, sponsored walk / cycle, gala days, sales of work
• Environmental projects, clean up, pick up litter, get rid of weeds, recycle, tree planting
• Write to the government, start a team, ask a teacher
• Help build them e.g. play park
• Support events / activities for young people
• Involve people, and work with community and joint committees for community buy-outs
• Move away
Youth and children
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
9. The Future
Respondents overwhelmingly endorsed sustainable development, which takes account of social, environmental and economic issues, as an appropriate way to succeed – 98.4%
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StronglyAgree
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Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Important Economic issues
Job opportunities 54Tourism 15New businesses 10Public transport 9Broadband / improved ITC 6
9. The Future
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Important Environmental Issues
Conservation of wildlife and habitats 53Recycling facilities 20Windfarms 16Litter / rubbish, including beaches 13
9. The Future
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Important Social issues
Affordable housing 62More community activities 36Health / Medical Centre 23Facilities for young people 10Facilities for elderly 9Gaelic language and culture 7
9. The Future
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
Skills and expertise needed • Qualified trades people including plumbers,
builders
• Entrepreneurial and business skills
How?
• Train people in new skills
• Train people to do what they do better
• Attract more families to the area
9. The Future
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community Trust
• Improved transport, roads and services
• Improved housing, facilities and opportunities
• Young people welcomed and able to stay and live
• Economic sustainability – diversity, employment, enterprise
• Natural environment protected
• Community that retains its rural, Gaelic identity
• An integrated community, with diverse cultural interests, working together
9. A Positive Vision for Sleat
Urras Coimhearsnachd Shlèite Sleat Community TrustSleat Community Trust
CADISPA ~ University of Strathclyde
Community Planning Appraisal