COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Conaltradh coimhearsnachd
We strive to involve the whole community in our decision-making process through ongoing consultations and communication. Our vision is to build a sustainable future for the Galson Estate community.
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The development of the Community Renewable Energy Project coupled with income from commercial developments provides the Urras with an income stream. The income generated from the Community Wind Turbines, as well as commercial developments, enables us to subsidise a programme of events for the community.
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We try and engage with the community in as many ways as possible, most recently through our Strategic Plan. Find out more about our community engagement below.
Strategic priorities
CARE AND WELLBEING
Living healthier lives, improving access to care facilities and giving opportunities to participate.
CROFTING/LAND USE
Collaborative activity, improved horticultural facilities, together with guidance and tuition.
TOURISM
More, and improved, facilities with a focus on unique aspects that provide a different visitor experience.
EXCEPTIONAL PLACE
Delivering and enabling activities that attract more people and enable families to thrive.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT /
Ag obair le òigridh
We understand the importance of young people in the community and strive to involve and support those living on the estate. We regularly meet with schools and youth groups, either visiting the office or turbine site, or us going out to the schools themselves, to involve and inform young people about our work within the community. This helps young people gain an understanding of land ownership and gives us an insight into what young people in our community want. We also run a variety of annual youth engagement programmes.
Plòigh and Plòigh Mhòr
The summer of 2016 saw the start of family outdoor sessions, involving bushcraft, river dipping and rockpooling to name a few, giving young people and their parents / guardians the opportunity to engage in new activities and discover the natural environment on their doorstep. This was a great success and we now deliver three Plòigh programmes throughout the year, in partnership with local organisations on the island.
To see more about 'Plòigh' and 'Plòigh Mhòr', visit our EVENTS page.
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Primary 7 Transition Programme
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Every year, in partnership with Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust) and The John Muir Trust, we run a primary seven transition programme.
The primary seven pupils from four primary schools spend three days exploring the outdoors, discovering new areas and activities, and learning how to protect and conserve our environment, led by a team of local experts. Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh started the transition programme in 2020 to ensure that the P7 pupils from the four schools had a chance to meet one another before going to the Nicolson Institute, as well as learning about the area they come from and acquiring new skills. Read more here.
SUNND / Slàinte agus Sunnd
The ‘Sunnd’ Health and Wellbeing programme is one of our initiatives, which aims to provide opportunities for the community to have a high quality of life by remaining active, healthy, safe and included.
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The initiative begun in the spring of 2018 as a pilot scheme for individuals over the age of 60 in partnership with the local ‘Young at Heart’ club. It has since opened up to all members of the community, partnering with a range of different organisations and individuals. We subsidise the programme of events for residents of Galson Estate so that they are either free or low cost to ensure that they are accessible to all. Read more about Sunnd here.