Caol Play: SCIO SC046595
Report for year ended 31 May 2019
Caol Play was recognised as a SCIO in on 1 June 2016
Caol, often regarded as at the largest village in Scotland, can be found 3 miles away from the west highland town of Fort William. Commanding an en- viable position at the head of Loch Linhhe and near the foot of Ben Nevis, it is predominantly a residential community which (along with neighbouring Lochyside) around 3200 people call home. Housing stock was largely con- structed by the local authority in the second half of the twentieth century to provide for the workforce of the rapidly expanding local industries of pulp milling and aluminium smelting.
Analysis of Scottish index of multiple deprivation data shows below average performance in most domains but this seems particularly marked for the health domain. 2011 census data shows 376 children under the age of 10 in the community. It is recognised that encouraging physical activity in childhood is a key activity to improving health outcomes and ease of access to outdoor play facilities could encourage this physical activity. However the only play parks within the area are small, inadequate, unappealing and generally dilap- idated.
The trustees of Caol play are all members of the local community who con- vened to see the construction of a new, accessible, all abilities play facility in a central location to benefit all parts of the Caol community. This report sum- marises the position as of 31 May 2019.
Caol Play is a SCIO established by constitution.
Trustees:
Project management: Alan Jones Associates, 62 Boswell Road, Inverness, IV2 3EJ Banking: Bank Of Scotland, 62 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6AE
Book-keeping and accountancy services: BOSS Lochaber, Caol Commu- nity Centre, Glenkingie Street, Caol, Fort William, PH33 7DS
Progress during year ended 31 May 2019:
Significant progress was made during 2018-2019 with the opening of phase 1 of the Caol Play park. Construction work continued during the months of June and July 2018 with the official opening of the site on 25 July 2018 with a community afternoon event to celebrate this.
The play park proved an immediate success and was well used by local kids.
Challenges have arisen in respect of some vandalism / damage to one of the swings and persistent issues with littering and dialogue with the local authori- ty regarding emptying the bins. Several members of the community ex- pressed concerns about littering etc in the site which resulted in some clean up being done and new bins installed.
A major obstacle to further work and preventing us proceeding to phase 2 has been sufficient time for the officer bearers, who are all volunteers, to engage in the project as all have busy work and family lives. This is a concern going forwards.
Financial Situation:
This is summarised in attached summary of accounts prepared by BOSS book keeping services at Caol community centre.
The major sources of income were the Highland Council grant and Scottish Landfill Fund grant administered by WREN FCC.
Summary of the year
Significant realisation of our vision occurred with the opening of phase 1. This ha been welcomed and well used but significant ongoing challenges remain around time officer bearers have to commit to the project in furthering phase 2. Please note this report was significantly delayed in part as the secretary / vice chair had been diverted to preparing for the local response to the COVID pandemic in his professional role. We apologise for this.
Secretary / Vice Chair 04 August 2020 Report compiled by , Vice chair and Secretary, on behalf of Caol Play trustees Caol Play
Income and Expenditure for the period 1st June 2018 to 31st May 2019.
Informa on supplied to me by , Caol Play
Income Expenditure Wren 99,990.00 Works 219,252.10 Highland Council 75,000.00 Charges 172.10 Dona on 20.00 Insurance 108.00
175,010.00 219,532.20
Bank Reconcilia on Opening Balance 52,010.10 Income 175,010.00 227,020.10 Expenditure 219,532.20 Balance at 31st May 2019 7,487.90
Checked by , BOSS
Caol Community Centre Caol Fort William PH33 7DS
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