TOWARD SAILING CLUB (SCIO)
Charity Number: SC045012
The Future: Setting the Course RESEARCH, NEEDS ANALYSIS & DEVELOPMENT APPRAISAL
SUMMARY REPORT: May 2016
An Roth Associates, An Roth Trading Ltd
Page 1 of 31 Overview ...... 18 Contents Community Survey ...... 19 1. Background & Report Scope ...... 3 Café Conversation Events ...... 26 2. Approach & Methodology ...... 4 Focus Groups: Primary School Children ...... 30 3. Approach & Methodology Continued ...... 5 Focus Groups: Young People at Dunoon Grammar School ...... 31 4. Development Context ...... 6
Toward Sailing Club: Existing Activities ...... 6 Local Drivers for Development ...... 6 The Club’s Assets- The Keelboats...... 6 The Club’s Assets- The Clubhouse & Boat store ...... 7 5. The Vision ...... 8 6. Study Findings ...... 9 Area Profile: Argyll & Bute & The South Cowal Area Served by Toward Sailing Club (TSC) ...... 9 Economic & Social Profile ...... 9 Key Challenges Faced Across the Region ...... 10 Policy and Strategic Context ...... 11 Study Conclusions ...... 12 The Club- Current Position ...... 12 The Community Feedback ...... 12 The Socio-Economic, Local Area Profile & Policy Context ...... 12 The Key Risks, Threats & Weaknesses ...... 13 The Key Strengths & Opportunities ...... 13 High Level Options Appraisal ...... 15 7. Recommendations ...... 16 Next Steps ...... 16 8. Community Feedback ...... 18 Page 2 of 31 The club encourages young people to be active, skilled, confident, self-reliant, and to 1. Background & Report Scope develop strong communication and team working skills. The club trains them to such
a standard that junior members have represented Scotland and Great Britain at Toward Sailing Club SCIO (TSC) is situated on the shores of the beautiful Clyde Estuary, national and international events. to the south of the small villages of Toward and Innellan on the Cowal Peninsula in The club house at TSC, a 40 year old Terrapin sectional building on top of the Argyll. dilapidated swimming pool, is still well-used and much loved. Whilst improvements The club was established in the 1960s by the local community on the site of a have been made over the years the building and its neighbouring boat store are no dilapidated swimming pool which was at the time part of the Castle Toward Estate. longer fit for purpose, requiring major repairs to both the fabric of the buildings and Since then the clubhouse, dinghy park and surroundings have been developed and facilities contained within. Indeed the boat store is probably beyond economic repair. expanded through community support and the hard work of members. As the current custodians of this valuable community asset, the TSC Board is looking Run entirely by volunteers, TSC became a registered charity in 2014 (Charity No: towards the club’s future and wishes to develop a creative business plan which will: SCO45012) and now owns most of the land from which it operates. This includes a bus protect and enhance these valuable community assets, turning area, car park, grass areas, clubhouse, boat store, storage compound, jetty, help the club to be here in the long-term and hand this facility onto the next harbour quay, slipways, picnic table and seating area. (See site plan and photo in generation, appendix 1 for details). meet the needs and demands of its members and the local population now and As a self-help, voluntary organisation TSC enables and promotes participation in all into the future encouraging greater participation and community benefit, water-based activities and operates an open and inclusive membership policy. allow the club to be more financially sustainable, Affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association (and more recently to the Scottish Canoe regenerate local assets, creating a vibrate hub to help address the challenges of Association) the Club offers accredited sail, safety boat and sea kayak training for living in this rural area and a community that has opportunities for all and greater young people and adults. Over the years the Club has trained hundreds of adults and capacity and resilience. young people to RYA Certificate standard and the annual RYA inspection ensures the Club’s operating procedures, instructors’ qualifications, facilities and boats are up to After securing funding from Legacy 2014 the TSC Board commissioned An Roth the required standard. TSC funds the training of its instructors. Similarly all kayak Trading Associates to undertake an extensive community consultation and research coaches are qualified to the relevant national SCA standards. project. This project will help ensure that: TSC meets the needs and demands of the existing members and wider community (now and into the future), together with the Sailing and sea-kayaking at Toward are neither exclusive nor elitist sports. As a potential for developing relevant new services and facilities to help improve the community sports club, members fund-raise to ensure there are sufficient club boats quality of life for all. The research also includes the local and regional context and and equipment for those people (young and not so young!) taking part. Fees are wider public policy drivers; potential funding sources and a high level assessment of deliberately kept low so as they are not a barrier to participation. Annual the options and associated issues, risks and opportunities for a proposed membership is, at present, the equivalent of less than £1 per week for an adult and development. Separate to this work structural engineers’ have reported on the less than 50p per week for a junior. current state of the clubhouse and boat store buildings and a topographical land survey has been commissioned and legal advice sought. Page 3 of 31
2. Approach & Methodology
The approaches used have been highly participative, involving extensive consultations with local people. The key stages in the methodology used were:
Stage 1: Induction & Familiarisation Meetings (including site visits) were held with the TSC Board to agree the scope of the work, review stakeholders, expected outcomes, the approach and methodology, timescales and contact details. Stage 2: Steering Group Set Up Recommendation made to set up a project Steering Group to provide direction and make decisions on this first phase of work. The group was made up of TSC members plus other local residents. To ensure wider community involvement there was also representation from South Cowal Community Development Company and South Cowal Community Council. Regular meetings were held during the work contract to review progress and to agree next steps. Stage 3: Consultation Programme: Café Conversations & Household Survey Local residents were engaged, to provide a full understanding of the key issues and needs in the area and how TSC could be a vehicle for regeneration. The following methods were used: 1. A household survey, hand delivered to every house in the South Cowal area, available online and emailed to all TSC members. 2. Four café conversation events, open to all residents were held at different venues and times (one in the morning, afternoon, evening and on a weekend) to encourage maximum participation. Using tried and tested participatory methods including ‘Appreciative Enquiry’, ‘ World Café’ and using a pictorial landscape to capture and present participants’ feedback, the café conversations events were structured around a ‘pop up café’ concept, creating a relaxed and informal environment. The events and survey were advertised on the TSC website, Facebook pages, using posters on local noticeboards in the shop, hotel and Innellan Village Hall and as press releases in the local paper and on Dunoon community Radio. 3. Two focus groups were held: one with both the local primary schools which involved all local primary school aged children in the area and the other in Dunoon Grammar School, where young people living in Toward and Innellan attended. 4. The TSC Board members also ran a members information evening to gather views and ideas for a future development. Page 4 of 31
3. Approach & Methodology Continued
Stage 4: Information Gathering & Analysis This involved a review of the background information and research undertaken to date; an economic and social profile of Toward, Innellan, Dunoon and the wider Argyll and Bute area; a review of the strategic and policy context of a proposed development and a review of existing services and facilities in the area. The services review was to gain a full understanding of what already exists, to ensure any future TSC development complements what is already in the area, and that there is no potential duplication. A review of potential funders for a future development was also included. Stage 5: Findings & Recommendations Drawing together the key findings from the results of the community consultation and wider research, a high level appraisal of the various development options was made, to allow decisions to be made on next steps and the progression to a full business plan. This also included an assessment of the known risks and issues plus a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). Stage 6: Feedback Report A draft of the full report was reviewed by the TSC Board and Steering Group and further revisions were made following this. A summary report was then published via the TSC website and Facebook pages and advertised via the local radio and newspaper.
Page 5 of 31 4. Development Context
Toward Sailing Club: Existing Activities There are now two major issues with this operation; Toward Sailing Club is a much loved community asset, serving the whole South Cowal Firstly, the ongoing availability of the specialist crane. Due to the unsuitable state of area (including the town of Dunoon) and despite the deteriorating physical condition the private access road, before the boats can be moved, basic repairs have to be of the main buildings, current usage remains high with membership increasing and made to the road to allow access. The crane company used for the activities is the new activities being held at the club. As a community owned water sports charity, the only one in Argyll with suitable equipment that will lift boats. In addition, with club’s core activities are focused around: the provision of low cost sailing and kayak increasing company insurance demands, issues regarding the health and safety risks training for young people and adults; owning dinghies and kayaks for members use; of the operations are arising due to deterioration of the wharf at Ardyne and there regular kayak/sailing events; bi-weekly sail racing; secure boat and kayak storage are concerns that the company may no longer agree to carry out this work. (covered and open); club moorings and public open days and taster sessions. Secondly, the sale of the launch site and access road to new owners who intend to In more recent times the club has developed a small number of new, non-water redevelop the whole site. related activities which fulfil a wider community need, these are: free courses on heart defibrillator use and custodianship of the defibrillator; community social events The site was bought recently by Ardyne Estates Ltd with re-development plans to and the use of the clubhouse space for other local sports groups (i.e. for the local create a major new fish processing plant. It is understood that full planning consent Mountain Biking Club). has been gained for phase 1 of the works and a masterplan for the area approved by Argyll and Bute Council.1 To date, the agents for the new owners, have been very Local Drivers for Development supportive and have allowed operations to continue, albeit on a year by year basis, but they have now confirmed negotiations with Highland and Islands Enterprise are The Club’s Assets- The Keelboats underway regarding the development of the south end of the site, where TSC launch This issue concerns the launching and retrieval of the members' keel boats. The boats and retrieve. have to be taken out of the water during the winter for dry-land storage, as the location does not provide sufficient shelter to prevent damage to boats during winter Both these issues has serious implications for the club as there is no comparable deep storms. The club does not have the facilities available to launch/retrieve the keel water facility accessible nearby and the club does not have the specialist equipment boats from within its own premises. Rather with the permission of the third-party or suitable slipway necessary to launch/retrieve from within its own site (see section owners, the Club has launched and retrieved its keel boats from the deep water quay 6 of a more detailed options analysis). Unless there is a guarantee of launching and at the nearby Ardyne site for the past 30 years. This requires the keelboats to be retrieving at the club the keelboat owners will be required to move elsewhere at least towed on 'yard' trailers from the club site to Ardyne, almost a mile on mainly dirt for winter storage. However, if the keelboat owners do move they may not come back track road, and then using a specialist crane the boats are lifted into and out of the to the Toward moorings during the summer season. water.
1 Argyll and Bute Economic Forum Report, February 2016 Page 6 of 31
The Club’s Assets- The Clubhouse & Boat store Although the club has steadily improved the facilities over the years, the clubhouse building and its neighbouring boat store are now no longer fit for purpose, requiring major repairs to both the fabric of the buildings and facilities contained within.
The forty year old club house is no longer watertight and the foundations are showing signs of deterioration (cracking on the sub-cill walls and rusting/delamination of the exposed steel beams, holding the super-structure)2. Importantly the Clubhouse, which is effectively a first floor building, has neither disability access nor disability facilities of any kind. This prevents the development of activities for people with disabilities.
The club boat store, converted from a Victorian coal store, is in very poor structural condition. Modifications to the roof and possible foundation level movement have compromised the structural integrity of the walls to such an extent that they are considered unstable and may soon pose a health and safety risk3. Aside from the issues with the building structure itself the boat store’s limited size and antiquated design means the number of boats that can be wintered under cover is unfortunately restricted (members pay a higher fee for indoor winter storage and demand cannot currently be met).
2Structural Inspection Report Clubhouse and Boat Store 17th April 2015, Cowal Design Consultants Ltd.
3Structural Inspection Report Clubhouse and Boat Store 17th April 2015, Cowal Design Consultants Ltd. Page 7 of 31
5. The Vision
As the current custodians of this valuable community asset, the TSC Board is looking towards the club’s future. They are keen that the club remains at the heart of the local sailing community for future generations by protecting and enhancing their assets.
Building on its charitable objectives, the Board sees a fantastic opportunity now to regenerate its assets to provide greater community benefit.
This redevelopment could involve working with other local groups and diversifying what can be offered on the site to benefit the wider community; including perhaps encouraging new people to learn new skills through sailing (e.g. those most disadvantaged members of the community) and offering new, water and/or non- water based services and facilities, which may also provide an opportunity for local employment.
Not only will this approach provide new income streams for the club, helping improve its financial sustainability but will help connect people with each other in a more meaningful and productive way, helping strengthen the community as a whole. Based on the evidence of successes from other similar, community led projects across Scotland, by creating a vibrant community hub, TSC can help address the challenges of living in this rural area and help create a community that has opportunities for all and greater capacity and resilience.
Page 8 of 31 6. Study Findings There also used to be a post office and café in Toward but these both closed in recent years, leaving the hall, the primary school and the local Church of Scotland and TSC as Area Profile: Argyll & Bute & The South Cowal Area Served by the only public amenities. Toward Sailing Club (TSC) A full description of the area profile (including local facilities and services) can be Argyll and Bute covers almost 9% of the total Scottish land area and has the third found in appendices 2 and 3. sparest population of the 32 Scottish local authorities. It is also the second largest 4 local authority area in Scotland. Located 8 miles north of TSC, Dunoon is Argyll and Bute’s third largest town. It is Economic & Social Profile situated on the Cowal Peninsula on the Firth of Clyde, with Holy Loch to the north and Gourock to the east. The geographical constraints of Dunoon’s peninsula location mean that travel can be challenging with regular road closures due to landslides and ferry cancellations due to poor weather. Population The village of Innellan lies on the east shore of the Cowal peninsula, 4 miles south of The population of Argyll and Bute has been steadily declining. The demographic is an the town of Dunoon and 4 miles north of the Toward settlement. It is linked to aging one with a fall in the number of people of working age and young people. This Dunoon by bus. trend is predicted to continue into the future.
There is no longer a high street, with the village’s strip of shops (which once This tread is more acute in Dunoon and South Cowal with higher numbers of older numbered fourteen) now reduced to just a Post Office and General Store. It is served people and lower numbers of those of working age, compared to other areas of Argyll by a well -used and maintained village hall. Innellan, along with Dunoon, has in recent and Bute. years attempted to reclaim a role as a tourist destination.
TSC is situated in the Toward settlement area, at the most southern tip of the Cowal peninsula, 8 miles south of Dunoon adjacent to the entrance to the Kyles of Bute. The Employment, Education & The Economy area is very rural and surrounded by farm land. The north western part of the In terms of employment, Argyll and Bute’s economy is predominantly service based settlement is remote, with no bus service and accessible via one route only; a single with over 85% of employee jobs in the services sector. The region also has track road from Toward. The last house is located some 7 miles along the road from comparatively high levels of employment in primary industries. Employment levels in the main Toward settlement area (and approximately 11 miles from the only shop in the public sector, health and education are also notably higher than the national the area). average with lower than average levels of employment in manufacturing and finance/business services. Toward and Loch Striven are served by the Toward and Loch Striven Memorial Hall, which in the recent past has had only one regular user group, however a new There are also significantly higher rates of self-employment and more micro management team is striving hard to turn this round by improving the facilities. businesses than the national average.
4https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/understanding-argyll-and-bute Page 9 of 31 A higher proportion of people in Argyll and Bute enter employment than the Scottish Crime average, with a lower proportion than the average entering further education. The region, as a whole, experiences low crime levels. There are however marked differences in crime levels between urban and rural areas, with large urban areas Dunoon consistently records lower rates of economic activity amongst its population tending to have significantly higher crime rates than remote, rural areas. One of and more people claim out- of- work related benefits, compared to the regional and Dunoon’s population data zones is amongst the 2% most crime deprived areas in Scottish averages. Scotland.6
One of Dunoon’s population data zones is amongst the: 2% most income deprived Access to Services & Transport areas in Scotland; 3% most employment deprived areas in Scotland and the 11% most South Cowal is amongst the worst in Scotland for access to services deprivation. One education deprived areas in Scotland. data zone is amongst the 1% most access deprived areas in Scotland. This means that people living in South Cowal experience a very significant lack of access to basic Income and employment deprivation is significantly less in the population data zones services, taken for granted by those living in other areas of Scotland. covering the rest of the South Cowal area. The number of people claiming out-of- work related benefits is also in line with the regional averages in these areas. Social & Recreational Opportunities South Cowal has a wide range of sports facilities and clubs plus opportunities for outdoor pursuits (see appendix 3 for further details). However provision for some activities, in some locations is still poor. The availability of more recreational/social Health & Wellbeing opportunities is a factor influencing the attractiveness of the area as a place to live. The Argyll and Bute region within the Highland NHS Board region scores worse than the national average on 15 health indictors. Key Challenges Faced Across the Region Life expectancy in Argyll and Bute is 77.6 years (for males) and 81.2 years (for The geography: A highly rural area with many small communities, often separated females). It is above the Scottish average of 76.6 years (for males) and 80.8 years (for by water. Access to the area and to key services are year round challenges. females). 5 Changing population demographics: The decline in total population is a real Dunoon has higher rates of: hospital admissions in relation to alcohol and 65 year threat to the viability of the area with a potential to adversely impact on the economy olds and over, falls at home; multiple hospitalisations of older people and incidences and wealth creation (e.g. falling tax revenues), workforce availability and efficient of cancer compared to the averages across the Highland NHS Board region as a whole. service delivery. As are the greater costs and challenges to deliver services to older The most health deprived population data zone in Dunoon is amongst the 3% most people and the need to encourage younger people to move to the area so that the health deprived areas in Scotland. economy can grow. The wider Bute and Cowal area also rates significantly higher in the cases of: diabetes, mental health sufferers and drug related hospital admissions compared to the wider NHS Highland region.
5 Public Health Information Scotland. www.scotpho.org.uk & www.statistics.gov.scot 6http://simd.opendatascotland.org/releases/2012/intermediate_zones/S02000135 Page 10 of 31 People on the fringe: Many communities are very isolated and risk collapse as Policy and Strategic Context population changes take affect. This is happening alongside urban communities A future redevelopment of Toward Sailing Club has the potential to contribute where deprivation creates real hardships. directly to the objectives set out in the following European, National and Regional policies: Financial pressure on public services & amenities: pressure to find efficiencies for services directed to communities that are costly to support. Europe 2020 Strategy via the Scottish Rural Development Programme and LEADER Economy & employment: Developing education, skills and training to maximise Scottish Government National Outcomes Framework opportunities for all and create a workforce to support economic growth. E.g. Scotland’s Economic Strategy 2015 improving access to training in the most remote communities, promoting economic Tourism Scotland 2020 Strategy diversification across all industries and helping address underemployment (seasonal, Marine Tourism Sector Strategy (Awaking the Giant) part-time and low -paid work) are major challenges. Scotland’s Vison for Social Enterprise 2025 Community Empowerment Infrastructure & transport: Improving and making better use of infrastructure in The Active Scotland Outcomes Framework order to promote the conditions for economic growth and providing affordable ‘A More Active Scotland’ (Commonwealth Games Legacy) housing, particularly for young people. Argyll and Bute Community Plan and Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) 2013- 2023 Health: Improving health and well- being and reducing health inequalities. Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Action Plan (EDAP) 2013-2018 Argyll and Bute Economic Forum Report- February 2016 Bute and Cowal Development Action Plan- 2014 The data which supports all findings in this section is available in appendix 2. Highland and Islands Enterprise Argyll and Bute Joint Health Improvement Plan- 2013-2016
For full details of how the Club supports and could contribute further to these policy objectives see appendix 4.
Page 11 of 31 Study Conclusions ‘Aging and falling population’, ‘lack of employment’, ‘lack of attractions’, ‘poor ferries’, ‘lack/loss of local amenities and services’ and ‘ fragmented community’ were felt to be the top challenges needing to be addressed to make the local area The Club- Current Position a better place to live into the future. Run entirely by volunteers, Toward Sailing Club has worked hard over the years to protect, expand and develop its assets. Members have developed the derelict The most popular responses to the question how might TSC help address these swimming pool to form the base for the clubhouse; restored the stone jetty and challenges were: by providing new activities, services and facilities; a community built slipways; provided grassed areas, picnic tables and car parking for the public. hub and visitor destination to help attract and retain people; jobs and protecting and developing local assets. The Club; its members and Board have a strong track record (over 30 years) of providing sailing and life-skills training for the local community. Many of the Full details of the community feedback can be found in appendix 5 youngsters trained at TSC have gone on to represent their country in sailing.
The Club provides significant benefits in the way of services and facilities which The Socio-Economic, Local Area Profile & Policy Context help local people stay activity and healthy; socialise and feel part of a community; The economic and social data shows that the peninsular communities in Cowal, learn new skills; build confidence and self-reliance and develop strong are facing numerous challenges given their falling and aging population; pockets communication and team working. of deprivation and fragile economies.
As a result, TSC is considered a hugely valuable asset and despite of its One of the area’s key advantages compared to other rural areas is also one of its deteriorating physical condition, current usage remains high. The nature of that key problems; its relative proximity to Glasgow- it is highly visible across the value should be protected and its members should be very proud of their Clyde. This makes access relatively easy compared to other rural areas in Argyll. achievements and commended for this work. At the same time its proximity acts as a magnet, drawing South Cowal’s young
people away to the central belt. The Club has established partnerships with, for example, South Cowal Community
Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Isle of Bute Sailing Club, Kyles of Bute Sailing Both the socio-economic research and the community feedback confirms that Club, Scottish Canoe Association to provide new services and reach out to more facilities and services are limited in Toward and Innellan (particularly spaces for people within the community. A redevelopment at the Club brings further use by local groups, shops, visitor attractions, accommodation, information and opportunities for collaboration and resulting increased benefits. places to eat) and have declined in recent times (leaving some buildings in a poor
physical state of repair): This not only makes the area less attractive as The Community Feedback somewhere live but also reduces the appeal for visitors. Being situated at the end ‘The surroundings/environment’, followed by ‘safe place to live’, ‘friendly people’ of one road, rather than on a visitor trail or through route also means passing and ‘outdoor activities’ were the four things people who took part in the survey, trade is limited and this results in the majority of visitors to the area, not making focus groups and café conversations most value about the local area. the journey.
Page 12 of 31 The research highlights the real risk of a cycle of decline in these areas; where Club may not have the time to successfully complete a large-scale, wider reducing services/facilities and deterioration/decline of local buildings; remote redevelopment project without the help of a paid, dedicated resource. geographies and aging and reducing demographics puts increasing pressure on public services, limits wealth creation, workforce availability and adversely TSC doesn’t have enough of its own funds to complete a redevelopment. impacts the economy. Resulting in the area becoming less and less attractive as Therefore any development work will require external funding and local somewhere to live and work. fundraising.
TSC activities contribute to local and national health/activity, tourism and The community feedback meetings highlighted that community confidence is low economic development policies and there are good opportunities to develop following the failed Castle Toward community buyout. As a result the wider these activities further to provide even more benefit. community may feel that another community led redevelopment such as TSC is not worth investing their time and effort in if they think it cannot work.
The Key Risks, Threats & Weaknesses If the new owners at Ardyne and Castle Toward are not willing /able to work TSC’s core functions are threatened by two significant issues; the withdrawal of alongside TSC then this could be a threat to future operations. Given the small access for keelboat launching and retrieval and the decline of its infrastructure, geographical area, it is important that developments are complimentary and the without which it could not operate. If these issues are not addressed it is unlikely potential for unsustainable competition is considered. the club will exist into the short-medium term. Fees paid by the keelboat owners
make up approximately 40% of the club’s annual income and so with the loss of this income stream there could be a negative impact on the club's financial The Key Strengths & Opportunities sustainability. The keelboat contribution to club funds also helps pay for the Despite the decline the area offers significant opportunities. Innellan has a well- training programmes for youngsters. used and supported village hall and a busy post office/shop plus two high quality places to eat. As the survey and café conversation events show, local residents As a result of these issues, the operation of the club is going to change. By realise and value the positive aspects of living this rural area. Alongside this, the thinking about what members and the wider community want from their Club and sale of Castle Toward Estate and the redevelopment of the Ardyne site should taking action now; the Club can control and influence the future, rather than bring positive change to the area. There is an opportunity now to build on these waiting for changes to take place without design. benefits, tackling the challenges and making the area more attractive for future generations. As is the case with all community lead development projects, there is always a risk that the importance of the day-day operations distracts from reviewing the TSC, as the custodian of important local assets has a great opportunity to protect ‘bigger picture’ and creating a medium/long-term plan for the future of the and enhance its assets to provide greater benefit to the local communities. organisation. Assuming funding can be obtained it is within TSCs power to develop these assets without the need for land or building acquisition. Few communities are in such a Directly linked to the previous risk, is volunteer capacity. As the Club operations secure position with regards asset ownership. are completely dependent on voluntary effort, those currently working at the
Page 13 of 31 There is a clearly defined need from the wider community: new, fit for purpose facilities and services and a community hub. Improvements to TSC have the
potential to bring the community together and stimulate a range of other benefits
which in turn will help make the area a more attractive place to live and bring up a family and for people to visit. Additional services could provide the mechanism for enhanced learning, better promotion of health and well-being plus volunteering and employment opportunities that will contribute to the sustainability of the local economy.
TSC’s Board and membership is made up of individuals with a broad range of skills and experience, essential to developing such a large-scale community project. As noted above they have a good track record of developing the club’s assets and new activities in partnership with other organisations.
Where other facilities and services in the local area have declined, a redevelopment at TSC will help stop the cycle of decline. Residents in the most remote areas of Toward and Loch Striven could once again have somewhere in their local area to meet, participant in community activities and access facilities and services.
Economic development at Castle Toward and Ardyne is strongly supported in the local and regional development plans and TSC could be in a strong position to deliver this, particularly with regards a marine tourism based redevelopment plan.
There are a wide range of external funding sources available to TSC (subject to successful applications) to support a redevelopment. However a like for like replacement of assets (i.e. a new boat shed providing the same function as it does now) is unlikely to support most funders objectives strongly enough to attract a grant. Most funders wish to support new activities and facilities and some will only support projects which benefit disadvantaged people. See appendix 6 for further details.
For further details on the risk/issue and SWOT analysis see appendix 7
Page 14 of 31 High Level Options Appraisal worth reiterating that external funders would be looking for added value and therefore unlikely to support a simple, standalone replacement project as this would Option 1: Do nothing not strongly fit their funding objectives.
If no action is taken the short-term impact is: Loss of the keelboats, as a result of not Option 2C: Focus on the wider redevelopment plan for the clubhouse and surrounding being able to launch and retrieve them; permanent closure of the boat store and site with the aim for financial sustainability. continued deterioration of the clubhouse. The loss of the keelboats would result in a reduction in income which in turn could Membership levels would fall as a result of the facilities no longer being fit for mean a loss of subsidy towards the training for young people. Membership levels may purpose. also fall as a result of the launch facilities no longer being available for winter boat retrieval. The option to increase membership fees in order to replace this lost income is probably not sustainable as any significant increase in fees would conflict with the However these cons need to be weighed up against the risks associated with investing Club’s charitable aims. As the socio-economic data confirms South Cowal is not a in launch facilities of this nature. It’s likely the Club would need to use most of its wealthy area: there is not the ability or desire to support a sailing club accessible only financial reserves plus grants and loans to purchase this equipment. The prospect of to those with significant personal income. taking on debt liability needs to be fully considered before any decisions are made.
The ongoing viability of a community sailing club and therefore the survival of TSC Also the opportunities lost in terms of investment of Club funds also needs to be would be at serious risk under this scenario. considered. In the medium-long term the Club’s financial and other resources might be better spent focusing on a wider redevelopment plan which helps attract and Option 2: A redevelopment plan; with the focus on protecting and enhancing the retain, not just keelboats owners but other marine (and non-marine) users during the current assets, to protect the current value and benefits the club provides to the local summer. community. It’s likely that at least some of the current keelboat owners would continue their Option 2A: Purchase specialist equipment and upgrade the slipway to enable TSC to membership and still use the facilities during the summer. With new facilities and retain the keelboats and operate the launch and retrieval within their site. activities the attractiveness of TSC should help retain them, whilst attracting new users. These new facilities would have the potential to attract more keel and other types of boat user, increase membership and therefore club income. The cost of such work is A detailed cost / benefit analysis should be undertaken to fully understand the impact of this option, alongside the other redevelopment options. estimated to be £70k (including second-hand equipment).
Option 2B: Replace and develop the boat store. Option 2D: A wider redevelopment plan for the clubhouse and/or surrounding site with a focus on the core objectives of the sailing club- sport, health and access to and This is an opportunity to add value to this asset by, for example increasing the from the sea, while complimenting the other local area development plans. The available space and adding workshop space to the building. There was notable option to provide further shore and mooring facilities to accommodate visiting boats support for this as part of the community feedback and it could provide a new rental plus specialist facilities to support disabled users should be considered as part of this income for the club and business/employment opportunities. It could also enable the option. addition of a coastal rowing project, another popular idea generated by the community (and one which would attract new volunteers keen on developing it). It is Page 15 of 31 7. Recommendations The financial aspects would include: o Financial viability and self-sufficiency: cost estimates for the capital works and running the new facilities. Income projections based on sensitivity Option 1 is unlikely to be viable if TSC is to continue to serve the local community. Its analysis- best, medium and worst case scenarios. An assessment of lost present day value would be lost, which would contribute to the wider deterioration of income associated with any option and the position with regards VAT facilities and services in the local area. recovery should also be considered as part of this work. o A review of marine facilities already available in the local area should be Options 2, a redevelopment of the club is therefore recommended as the way considered with a comparison of prices and services. forward to ensure TSC exists for the benefit of the community both in the short and o Discussions with potential partners (including funders). long-term. o Assessment of the likelihood of securing funding (including eligibility with As described in section 6 there are 4 options which could be developed- either as regards the TSC constitution). single phases of work or in parallel (depending on available capacity and funding). The legal aspects could include: Next Steps o Review of the legal position with regards the Club’s constitution and All the development options involve costs, benefits and risks and therefore a fundraising. In order to access certain funding sources a change to the detailed options appraisal should be conducted to inform decisions on the constitution may be required approach, phasing and full business plan. This should include the requirements- o Consideration of the State Aid risk associated with each option details of what the Club ultimately wants to achieve in the short, medium and o Assessment of the future operating model against the Club’s constitution long-term plus the technical, financial, legal and operational aspects of the and charitable objectives. For example, a trading subsidiary company development and finally a detailed risk assessment for each option. may need to be set up in order to comply with the rules regarding earned income thresholds in charity law and/or if the new operations are The technical aspects could include: deemed to be out-with the Club’s charitable objectives o A requirements brief, providing clarity on what the club wants to achieve o Review of the risks and liabilities to Board and ordinary Club members. with regards each option, including new services and facilities. Under the SCIO rules, ordinary members have certain duties and o Technical surveys and advice from design and engineering professionals- liabilities, alongside those of the Board members and these need to be e.g. topographical and/or ground surveys around the boat store and fully understood. foreshore for the slipway (including utilities); a detailed building survey of the clubhouse and equipment review. The operational aspects would include: o A valuation of the current assets. Most grant and all loan funders will o The project and operational model and resourcing- review of how the require a standard security on the club’s asset as a condition of their new facilities and service will be managed and operated and how the grant/loan. capital works will be managed on behalf of the Club (including what volunteer and paid resources will be needed and the associated costs). o Consideration of how the new facilities would be promoted and marketed and the associated costs. Page 16 of 31
A form of scoring system to capture the importance of different elements of the While considering the next stages of development, consider ‘quick wins’ to options analysis could be considered. increase the wider appeal of the club and bring in new people. These could include more community events, fundraisers, taster sessions/open days, Other recommended next steps: training; work with the schools and the recruitment of new volunteers and membership (non-sailors and sailors). Consider seeking the advice and lessons learned from other groups who have completed similar projects. Study visit funding could be sought to enable this. Follow up the senior pupils’ interest in volunteering and work experience placements - they were particularly keen to help with fundraising events and Investigate the options of paid development worker(s) to work on the options managing the Club’s social media communications. appraisal and business plan to help mitigate some of the risks highlighted in section 6. Given the wider development plans for the area, TSC could Contacts should be made with those who offered their details as part of the consider sharing a paid worker (either a consultant or staff member) with survey work to see if further volunteers could be recruited to help with another local group or business to share costs. Also there might be another specific elements of the redevelopment. These activities will also help local development organisation, better placed to employ staff and perhaps to maintain interest and involvement with the wider community. host a worker on behalf of TSC. This would negate the overheads and risks associated with TSC becoming an employer.
Ongoing communications and engagement with the club members is critical. One way to do this would be using the club’s photograph archive, along with the landscape (created as part of the community feedback sessions), to encourage the sharing of memories about the Club and to promote discussion on why members value the Club and what is it that’s important to them. Members could be encouraged to post their favourite memories under the question ‘Why I Love Toward Sailing Club’ via the Club’s Facebook page and as part of a Club event using a noticeboard and post-it-notes. This could be a small project that the pupils from the grammar school might also be interested in leading.
Develop relationships with local businesses and community groups to ensure any wider redevelopment plan compliments their own plans.
Page 17 of 31 8. Community Feedback
Overview This section sets out a range of information and research in order to assess the need for a redeveloped sailing club facility in South Cowal. The assessment of need has been based on findings from the:
Community Survey- distributed to every household (and available online) in South Cowal in February 2016 in order to gather feedback from local people on local needs and suggestions for the proposed future development at TSC.
Café Conversation Events- locals were invited to participate in creating a shared vision for the local area and sailing club, discussing their dreams, as well as challenges and opportunities. Sessions were held at different times of day and different days in mid-February and early March to ensure maximum participation.
Schools Focus Groups- to gather feedback from young people at the Primary and Grammar Schools.
Review of Existing Services- a detailed examination of existing facilities in the Toward and Innellan area has been undertaken in order to understand exactly what is in the area, where there are gaps and how the proposed development can complement and not duplicate existing provision.
Page 18 of 31 Community Survey There were a total of 77 surveys completed, with the majority of respondents (just over 50%) living in Innellan.
53% of respondents were female compared to 49% males.
In terms of age range the largest response is from the 50+ age group, and the smallest response from the 0-17 and 18-30 range, which represent the smallest age demographic in the area.
The majority of survey respondents rated the area as an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ place to live. Only 4% of respondents felt the area was average or poor as a place to live.
The table below demonstrates what respondents value most about the area. ‘The surroundings’ followed by ‘safe place to live’ and ‘outdoor activities’ were the three most valued aspects.
Figure 24: What do you value most about South Cowal?
Surroundings Safe place to live Outdoor activities Strong community spirit Friends & family History & heritage Location & accessibility Education & schools Arts & culture Employment prospects Lack of people & isolation Commutable Peace & quiet Toward Sailing clubhouse The sea
0 20 40 60 80
Page 19 of 31 There were a wide range of responses to the question ‘What do you think are the Lack of Attractions biggest challenges facing South Cowal?’ However there were four most frequent Nothing much for visitors to do (particularly in wet weather) responses: Our aging and falling population; lack of employment opportunities; lack of Toward /Innellan isn’t a destination any more as no reason to visit and no attractions and poor ferry service. These broadly reflect the challenges outlined in though traffic the secondary survey data presented in the local and regional context section. Nothing for bus tour visitors to do- used to come into the village Lack of open door evening activities and venues Figure 25: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing South Cowal? Lack of cultural venue
Aging & falling population Poor Ferry Service Lack of employment Foot passenger only from Dunoon town centre Lack of attractions Unreliable due to bad weather leading to disruption for commuters Poor ferry service Expensive ferry fares Lack & loss of local amenities / services Lack of Council support Lack and Loss of Local Amenities / Services Our Location Steady loss of facilities- Innellan Pier, shop, bank and café. Closure of Toward Lack of Community post office. Removal of bus services to Loch Striven Poor public transport service Viability of Dunoon high street: Closing of hotels, B&Bs and shops, increase in Protecting shoreline from development charity shops Wind farm development Lack of affordable housing Poor broadband Lack of training Poor shopping Lack of development Too many charity shops Too many holiday homes Lack of availability of Scottish goods 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Poor broadband Empty properties Particular comments in relation to this question, included; Access to health care- good hospital in Dunoon by have to cross to Inverclyde (inconvenience and expense) On Our Aging and Falling Population Lack of training opportunities How do we keep our young people here How do we attract new younger people to the area Lack of Council Support Lack of council support / leadership Lack of Employment Opportunities Lack of community engagement for any imaginative initiatives Particularly for professionals and graduates Lack of communication Jobs are low paid / low quality Lack of funding Constraints on Council Tax and budget cuts Page 20 of 31 Our Location Lack of development Figure 26: How might Toward Sailing Club help overcome these challenges? The fear of flooding and being cut off from the town Loneliness/isolation- many elderly incomers become widows (ers). Isolated, 70 lonely, away from close family, eventually can't drive Uncertain future of the Ardyne site 60 Being classed as Highlands and Islands for delivery 50 Stabilising the local economy Lack of access 40 Poor weather, rain and midges 30
Lack of Community 20 Apathy Lack of community participation 10
We don't make enough of what we have or value it 0 Lack of social hub or community focus in Toward Growth in anti-social behaviour Internal squabbling
Poor Public Transport Service High costs Poor links and timetable
Respondents were then asked to make suggestions about how Toward Sailing Club might help overcome these challenges. Again there was a wide range of responses. The ideas most often cited were: Working with other groups make the club available for a range of social activities: a community facility/hub and visitor destination; Create jobs; Bring people in by offering new facilities, which in turn will help retain a more balanced demographic.
Page 21 of 31 Particular comments in relation to this question, included; Create and lease industrial units for small businesses Link with other local businesses to offer a range of collaborative services i.e. A community facility/hub and visitor destination Osborne Hotel for accommodation, Innellan Village hall and Toward Memorial Tea room/café for the local community and visitors- a nice space for the Hall and post office community to get together Coaching, training & diversity courses Focal point for the community and visitors to the area Young persons’ activity centre Create employment through new facilities- e.g. employment in a new cafe Forest schools activities Facilitate increased community enhancement / engagement Toilets Provide community events Internet café Build capacity in the area for a range of services Shop(s) Apprenticeships for young people Activities for families A place to meet, enjoy the outdoors and a community facility Maps and notice board on site for walking paths Offer use of facilities to other clubs Better car parking Develop it to become a place where people would want to come to on Bunkhouse holiday. A place of interest for visitors Entertainment venue Provide a 'Men’s Shed' for locals Adventure playground New activities, facilities and services Offer better facilities - camping, fishing Boat trips and landing facilities for local operators A sandy play area similar to West Bay for young children- seated area for Inflatable dinghy rescue boat parents to supervise By being active they are raising the standards and facilities
Something indoors to do Set up wildlife cameras on seals/herons/otters for public viewing Set up a kids club Set up a U3A group for older people Moorings for visitors Dark sky or similar visitor centre Showers and drying facilities for members and visitors Campsite- there isn’t one in the area Membership for non-sailors Affordable housing By providing a modern water sports centre with good facilities Providing facilities for young families Page 22 of 31 The next question was about what activities the respondent and their family currently Out of the activities ranked as second priority, camping facilities and coastal rowing participate in. The chart below provides a breakdown of the responses. Walking was scored highest (almost 13% of responses), followed visitor moorings and facilities (e.g. by far the most frequent response, followed by cycling, sailing and swimming. Other showers, laundry, information centre) a second priority (11% of responses) and activities listed included dancing, Zumba, fishing, gardening, music, windsurfing, children’s play facilities (adventure playground/soft play), workshop space and café, diving, cooking, kite flying, local history and BBQing. joint third (each just over 9% of the responses).
Figure 27: In which activities do you and/or your family currently participate? The overall results confirmed that a café is by far the highest priority (almost 18% of total responses), followed by visitor moorings and facilities in second (11% of total 70 responses), children’s play facilities third, venue room hire for parties and meetings in 60 fourth and camping facilities in fifth (each with 10% of the total responses).
50 40
30
20
10
0
The final two questions sought further views on the potential club redevelopment activities. Respondents were asked ‘Which of the following new services/facilities would you most like to see at Toward Sailing Club?’ and to then add any other suggestions about new facilities/services not included in the list provided. The first question asked participants to mark up to 5 answers and rank those in order of priority, 1 being the highest priority.
Out of the activities ranked as first priority, a café scored highest (with 43% of the responses), followed by children’s play facilities second (9% of responses) and workshop space and camping facilities, joint third (with just over 6% of responses).
Page 23 of 31 Figure 28: Which of these new services/facilities would you most like to see at Toward Boat hire- pedalos, sit on kayaks Sailing Club? Miniature remote control boat hire Covered picnic area Café Spa, hot tub, infinity pool Visitor moorings and facilities Boat trips to Rothesay and Millport Children's play facilities Map of walks in Toward / Inverchaolain area- promote in winter too when Venue/room hire weather good Camping facilities Somewhere for classic car enthusiasts to meet Coastal rowing Arts events Workshop space Jet skis Training opportunities Speed boats Boat maintenance facility Tuck shop for beach walks Outdoor gym Craft shop Bike hire Outdoor table tennis Resources for small businesses First aid courses Organised walks 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Base for walking groups- re-fuelling, changing and shelter Base for education groups The final questions generated many more detailed ideas regarding the facilities and Lecture facility- base for training/learning for theory and presentation based services TSC could provide. These included: learning Continue to develop training in sailing, kayaking etc. for children Kayak hire Safe /secure keelboat launching facilities Meals for visitors- perhaps start once a month- build reputation for good food Links with Dunoon Grammar School alongside berthing for visitors Boat training Improve on the beauty of the place- large decking, with cover, outdoor Information board for local attractions cushions, nice lighting, wind breaks, beer garden, flowers, BBQs for people to Anything that might create jobs cook on Weekend BBQs Facilities for sailors to ring a number and get food/provisions delivered Car boot sales Live music Dog shows/competitions Travel hoist and slipway for launching the keel boats Fundraising events Mountain bike club use Story tellers to tell stories to children Films for sailing, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking Sailing school in summer holidays to attract visitors Pool table Page 24 of 31 Large projector screen/projector for showing rugby, formula 1 Food- deals with local fishing boats/venison dealers for great seafood/game offering for basic BBQ facilities, a bit like Kerrera. More than just a café! Better kayak storage facilities Beach litter initiative- bins to encourage people to pick up 3 pieces of plastic off the beach each time they visit Taster sessions for sports that are not normally available- e.g. paddle
boarding, ocean swimming Seasonal passenger ferry to Rothesay - on demand/book in advance. Encourage Bute visitors to visit café and admire the views or take the bus into Dunoon. Dunoon folk could do the opposite journey- boost ties between mainland Argyll and the Island of Bute. Petanque rink Planetarium/dark skies Open water swimming section
Page 25 of 31 Café Conversation Events
Four café conversation events, open to all residents were held at different venues and times (one in the morning, afternoon, evening and on a weekend) to encourage maximum participation. 65 local residents took part in the events.
Using tried and tested participatory methods including ‘Appreciative Enquiry’, ‘World Café’ and using a pictorial landscape to capture and present participants’ feedback, the café conversations events were focus around a ‘pop up café’ concept, creating a relaxed and informal environment.
The conversations were structured around four questions, linked to those used in the community survey. The groups discussed what people liked about living in the area (and should be protected/enhanced) and what was challenging about life in South Cowal; then followed by what improvements would make South Cowal a better place to live and lastly how might a redeveloped Toward Sailing Club contribute to improving the area. The following is a summary of feedback from these sessions.
What is good about living in South Cowal: Features to be protected /enhanced
The Friendly Scenery environment people
Things to do Location
Page 26 of 31 What are the challenges to be overcome in South Cowal
The lack of Poor town Apathy jobs ferry service
Fragmented Aging Low
community population population
Poor Council Poor bus support services
What improvements would make South Cowal a better place to live
Protection & Retain & create new Improved public
development of local events/activities transport assets
Better community Improved cycling & cohesion & More jobs walking paths engagement
Ferry between Bute & Better visitor A community hub Toward services/information
Better relationship with A&B Support/encouragement for Council new businesses
Page 27 of 31 What improvements could Toward Sailing Club make to improve life in South Cowal
Provide more activities Provide more A community café / & clubs facilities shop
A hub for locals & Provide employment A visitor centre visitors
Holiday accommodation Small scale marina BBQ & picnic areas
The following is a list of some of the other detailed ideas and comments generated during the café conversations, regarding the facilities and services TSC could provide to enhance the area:
Pop up shop for artists, crafts, chandlers and gear/equipment Ice creams Joint working with South Cowal Community Development Company, Toward Castle and Toward Memorial Hall Training- for locals and visitors- VHF Radio, Out boarding service, first aid Allotments / community garden Gym/exercise equipment in clubhouse Go karting, on land owned by fish farm- belief that fish farm would be happy to give land Money generation Succession planning Page 28 of 31 Real potential Gradual climb to inspire
Inclusive/open to all Branching out into the wider community /community focussed initiative- shared space Use by Scouts and Guides Link up with established clubs- mountain bike, hill runners, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Better promotion of water sports and the environment Promote sailing for all- young, disabled, disadvantaged Information boards & way marking- history/interpretation boards Forest schools More support for kayaking-training and equipment Boat trips to Rothesay on Bute Community forest/biomass power generation Water sports- windsurfing, diving BSAC club, boat hire Workshop space Link to Lamont Society Craft shop Conference facilities Better community engagement / communication Transportation- more buses and car parking facilities Increase number of qualified coaches/instructors More fundraising Outside gym/trim trail Heritage centre
Wildflower meadow Connections to Rothesay- business opportunity Commercial boatyard social enterprise Buy memorial hall for a sports pavilion Buy land at Ardyne for rugby, shinty and cricket
Page 29 of 31 Focus Groups: Primary School Children
30 children (everyone on the school roll at Innellan and Toward Primary Schools) took part in a conversational group using a similar format to the café conversations. They were asked to identify what they liked about living and going to school in South Cowal and encouraged to draw what they valued most. They were then asked what they would like to do / see at Toward Sailing Club to help make South Cowal an even better place to live. The following is a summary of the findings:
The children value most the outdoors: the scenery, beaches, the wind, the sea, cycling, outdoor play, exploring the forests, watching the seals, sailing and kayaking.
They also particularly enjoy swimming, badminton, going to school and playing at friends’ houses.
The most popular (numerous) suggests for future activities at Toward Sailing Club were: Off-road cycle tracks, shops (e.g. selling toys, sweets, crafts, pound shop), a bigger, better swimming pool and a new visitor attraction like ‘Go Ape’, ‘Lego Land’, indoor snow centre.
Other suggestions for activities included: a café, fast food restaurant, star gazing events, BBQs, camping, dance classes, a zip wire, an aquarium, zoo/animal rescue, new after school clubs- e.g. seashore/sea life, craft and orienteering themes, jobs, a big playpark, restaurant, funfair, miniature trains, go kart track, quad bike track, motorbike track, bungie jumping, ice rink, dog races, rugby pitch, scuba diving club, swing park, animal show, crazy golf, bus tours around Castle Toward, science centre, boat trips to Bute, a planetarium, football pitch and paintballing.
Page 30 of 31 Focus Groups: Young People at Dunoon Grammar School More facilities. Ideas included: camping, glamping (wigwams/pods), toilets, a hot tub, outdoor gym, burger stand, restaurant, small convenience store/stall, café, bike hire, children's soft play, good Wi-Fi internet access and marina type 29 pupils, between the ages of 11 and 18, living in the rural South Cowal area took facilities. part in a conversational group with a similar format to the café. One session was held with the younger students and a second session held with the senior pupils. Renting out space for parties, clubs, live music, ceilidhs, classes on boat repair, wilderness training and residential retreats. The students value most: the local people /community, the scenery, the activities available to them (especially those undertaken outdoors), the peace and quiet and More engagement with the school to include team building, residential, school relative safety. trips and training.
When asked what improvements would make South Cowal a better place to live and Involve young people more and offer opportunities for participation in the club, work, the most popular answers overall were: more activities and places for young particularly in social media to promote the club and fundraising. people to hang out, more visitor attractions, more jobs, better community engagement and participation, more shops and better broadband.
For the senior group community projects e.g. an art mural; redevelop of old buildings; new community events to encourage people to get out more; more opportunities for people to get involved/help; opportunities for young people to prepare for college, develop life skills through work experience and volunteering (for example workshops on managing money, assisting in charity work- fundraising etc.); ways to incentivise people to stay (as after school everyone wants to leave) were also important.
Lastly the groups was asked for their ideas on how TSC might be able to help make improvements to the local area. The most frequently occurring responses were:
Good social environment for teens with new activities and events. Ideas included: river rocket speed boat and Zorbs; jet skis, paragliding, fishing, basketball, pump track biking, rope swings, outdoor cinema, windsurfing, dog walking, dog shows, go karting, ceilidhs, workshops, kids parties, competition events, star gazing, discos, day trips to Bute, cruising, summer camps, youth and other clubs, BBQs, residential activity weekends, parachuting, scuba diving, doughnuts, music festival, Toward evening local food cruise- ‘Taste of Cowal’, kids pirate parties and family open/fun days.
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