Green Aspirations Scotland CIC has secured a £30,000 loan from Social Investment Scotland to replace an ageing kiln, protecting a key revenue stream and scaling up sustainable charcoal production.

The Stirling-area social enterprise, based near Port of Menteith, has used the responsible finance investment to buy a new kiln after its previous equipment neared the end of its working life, threatening to disrupt income. The kiln, named Penelope, will cut turnaround times between burns, boost output and reliability, and strengthen customer confidence, enabling the organisation to promote its Scottish-made fuel more assertively, grow sales and reinvest more into community programmes.

Charcoal accounts for around 30% of the organisation’s revenue. It is produced sustainably using wood from Scottish community-owned forests or surplus timber from local tree surgeons, with proceeds reinvested in local woodland-based learning and craft activities.

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"The charcoal side of the business is much more than just an income stream. It helps fund important opportunities for people to get outdoors and learn new skills in nature. When the old kiln became unreliable, we knew replacing it was essential," said Paul Cookson, Director at Green Aspirations Scotland CIC.

The investment also highlights a wider issue. Britain imports around 85,000 tonnes of charcoal each year, often from countries at risk of deforestation including Indonesia, Nigeria and Paraguay. The Earthworm Foundation estimates it is among Europe’s top five products driving global deforestation. Green Aspirations Scotland’s model, grounded in community woodland management and surplus local timber, offers a direct alternative and aims to raise awareness of British-made charcoal and the importance of responsible sourcing.

Closer to home, proceeds from charcoal sales support green woodworking, craft workshops and outdoor learning sessions, particularly for young people who struggle in mainstream education. In a supportive woodland setting, teenagers learn at their own pace — splitting logs, developing craft skills, climbing trees or spending time around a campfire with peers — building confidence and practical skills away from screens. One 17-year-old participant has volunteered weekly since completing her Advanced Highers, while some parents, first introduced to the organisation through their children, now attend workshops themselves. This approach aligns with Scotland’s Community Wealth Building Act, keeping investment and skills rooted in local communities.