Community Groups Invited to Put Forward Regeneration Project Ideas for Scottish Government Fund

Community groups across Orkney are being encouraged to come forward with regeneration projects that could benefit from support through the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF). 
 
The fund supports community-led regeneration projects that can deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits in communities across Scotland. 
 
The programme supports projects aimed at transforming disadvantaged and fragile communities, helping to bring vacant or underused buildings and land back into productive use, creating new economic opportunities, and strengthening community assets. 
 
The programme recently supported Westray Development Trust’s project to create a new Community and Enterprise Centre on the former Old Community Hall site, replacing a dilapidated building that no longer met community needs.  The project – under ongoing development - will provide fit for purpose social, sporting and workshop space that strengthens local wellbeing, supports tourism and provides long-term community benefit. 
 
As only local authorities can submit applications to the Scottish Government, Orkney Islands Council is inviting community organisations, development trusts, charities and other third-sector groups to discuss potential projects that may be suitable for inclusion in the Council's submission to the fund. 
 
Projects must demonstrate strong regeneration outcomes, have clear community support, and be sufficiently developed to begin delivery during the 2027/28 financial year should funding be secured. The fund is particularly interested in projects that will create transformational change, improve local infrastructure, support community wealth building, encourage further investment, and contribute towards Scotland's net zero ambitions. 
 
Examples of eligible projects could include the redevelopment of vacant or derelict buildings into community facilities, the creation of enterprise or business spaces, improvements that support town and village centre regeneration, or projects that help communities take ownership of important local assets. 
 
Councillor Mellissa Thomson Chair of the Council’s Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee said:
 
"The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund has a strong track record of supporting projects that make a genuine difference to communities across Scotland. We know that communities in Orkney have ambitious ideas for local regeneration, and we would encourage groups with well-developed proposals to get in touch with us.
 
"This funding offers a valuable opportunity to secure investment for projects that can create lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for local people. We are keen to hear from organisations that have projects capable of delivering real and positive change in their communities."
 
The Scottish Government's Stage 1 application deadline is 14 August 2026, and the Council is therefore asking interested groups to make contact by 24 July 2026 to allow projects to be considered ahead of the submission deadline. 
 
Projects will be assessed on how well they meet the aims of the fund, the strength of community involvement, their fit with local regeneration priorities, and their readiness to proceed during 2027/28.
 
Community organisations wishing to discuss a potential project should email funding@orkney.gov.uk by 24 July 2026.