Orkney Islands Council is calling on community organisations to put forward regeneration ideas for potential support from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).

The RCGF backs community-led initiatives that deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits across Scotland. It focuses on transforming disadvantaged and fragile areas by returning vacant or underused buildings and land to productive use, creating jobs and enterprise opportunities, and strengthening community assets.

A recent local example is Westray Development Trust's ongoing project to create a new Community and Enterprise Centre on the former Old Community Hall site, replacing a dilapidated building. The development will provide fit-for-purpose social, sporting and workshop space, bolster wellbeing, support tourism and offer long-term benefits for the community.

As only local authorities can submit bids, Orkney Islands Council is inviting community organisations, development trusts, charities and other third-sector groups to discuss projects that could be included in the Council's submission.

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Projects must evidence strong regeneration outcomes, clear community backing and be sufficiently advanced to begin delivery in the 2027/28 financial year if funding is awarded. The programme prioritises proposals that are transformational, improve local infrastructure, support community wealth building, leverage further investment and contribute to Scotland's net zero goals.

Eligible ideas might include bringing vacant or derelict buildings back into use as community facilities, creating enterprise or business spaces, town and village centre improvements, or initiatives that help communities acquire and manage 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."

Stage 1 applications to the Scottish Government close on 14 August 2026. To allow time for assessment and inclusion in the Council's submission, interested groups are asked to contact the Council by 24 July 2026.

Proposals will be assessed against the fund's aims, the strength of community involvement, alignment with local regeneration priorities, and readiness to proceed during 2027/28.

Community organisations wishing to discuss a potential project should email [email protected] by 24 July 2026.