projects
Our projects are driven by the ideas, needs and ambitions of the North Arran community.
From protecting and developing valued local assets to supporting initiatives that strengthen village life, the NACBS works to turn community priorities into meaningful action.
Each project is shaped through local engagement, careful planning and a long-term commitment to ensuring North Arran remains a thriving, sustainable place to live, work and visit.
NACBS PROJECTS
Lochranza Country INN
The hotel in Lochranza, which hosts the last remaining pub in the area, closed its doors during the Covid-19 pandemic and was put up for sale. The loss of this vital facility for the cohesion and well-being of the community was keenly felt. In November 2021, the Lochranza and Catacol Community Association (LCCA) arranged an open meeting to all residents to discuss the sale of the Lochranza Hotel. At the meeting there were over 80 attendees. It was openly agreed that the loss would result in a further decline in the area and it was proposed that the hotel be bought for the community.
NACBS applied for and was awarded a grant from the Scottish Land Fund, which allowed for the purchase of the hotel in its entirety. A further grant was awarded by the Community Ownership Fund to complete much needed refurbishments to the building and enable it to be opened as a business again. Walls were painted, floors laid and equipment replaced while NACBS searched for a General Manager. Finally, in May 2023, Lochranza Country Inn opened its doors for the first time in three years.
During 2024/25 further refurbishments have been carried out to various areas including the bedrooms, dining room, community room and the staff quarters. Guestrooms now have a modern, fresh feel to them, which combined with fantastic views, create a peaceful haven for visitors staying at the Lochranza Country Inn. The Inns previous dining room has now transformed into the new 30- seater Rowan restaurant. The Rowan is also a unique art space, showcasing the extraordinary talents of local artists from around Arran, and beyond.
NORTHEND COMMUNITY SURVEY
To ensure that future projects and investment across the Northend truly reflect local need, the North Arran Community Benefit Society (NACBS) developed and delivered a comprehensive community survey aimed at gathering honest, representative feedback from residents.
The survey received a strong response from the local community, demonstrating strong engagement and a clear desire for residents to have their voices heard. A key focus of the survey was to explore the issue of affordable housing — specifically whether there was a genuine local requirement, what types of housing were most needed, and how housing challenges were impacting individuals, families and the long-term sustainability of the Northend.
Alongside housing, the survey invited residents to share their views on life in the Northend more broadly. Respondents were asked what they felt was working well, where improvements could be made, and what priorities they believed should shape future community development. This included feedback on local facilities, services and community assets, as well as perspectives on the Lochranza Country Inn and how it is performing as a community-owned business.
The survey was designed as a collaborative piece of research. NACBS invited third-party organisations, local groups and partners to contribute suggested questions, enabling wider community priorities to be explored through a single, coordinated consultation. This approach helped reduce survey fatigue while maximising the value of the feedback gathered.
The results of the Northend Community Survey were formally shared with members at the NACBS Annual General Meeting in October 2025, ensuring transparency and keeping the community informed. The findings now form an important evidence base to guide future decision-making, support funding applications and ensure that future projects are shaped directly by the voices of those who live and work in the Northend.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
With an older age demographic and a lack of housing for young working people, the need for new affordable housing on Arran has been well-documented. NACBS members have consistently identified this as an area of concern for the North Arran population. NACBS directors have met with a range of organisations experienced in delivering or funding community-led affordable housing. These included Communities Housing Trust (CHT), the Scottish Land Fund (SLF), the Rural and Islands Housing Fund (RIHF), Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS), North Ayrshire Council and community bodies with direct delivery experience such as the Arran Development Trust, Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, Mull and Iona Community Trust, Colonsay Community Development Company, Knoydart Foundation, and Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust. Consistent themes and lessons have emerged across these engagements. An essential element of our approach has been our community survey in 2025 where 79% of respondents from North Arran and beyond were in favour of a low cost housing development. An NACBS sub-group continues to work to progress this, including continued representation at Arran Housing Task Force meetings.
SUPPORTING NORTH ARRAN COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
Lochranza loos
Lochranza Loos re-opened to the public in 2017 under a licence agreement with North Ayrshire Council, following the formation of a dedicated volunteer group who established a registered charity to manage the cleaning and ongoing maintenance of the facilities.
Located beside the Lochranza ferry terminal and Sandwich Station, the toilets provide an essential service for both residents and visitors to the Northend of Arran.
Working in close partnership with the Lochranza Loos Trustees, the NACBS Development Officer project-managed a full refurbishment of the facilities. The works were successfully completed in August 2025, ensuring the toilets remain safe, welcoming and fit for year-round use.
The premises continue to offer 24-hour public access throughout the year, with voluntary donations helping to support their ongoing upkeep — a great example of community collaboration delivering practical benefits for everyone.
Lochranza & catacol village hall
The Lochranza & Catacol Village Hall has served the local area for over a century, with the original hall operating on the same site since 1920. The current hall, opened in 2001, continues this long-standing provision as a key local facility.
In 2025, the Hall became a registered charity, strengthening its ability to support long-term sustainability and access external funding. It provides an essential local venue used for regular activities, events and services serving the Lochranza and Catacol area.
Today, the Hall hosts a range of regular activities including fitness and games sessions, coffee mornings, and a twice-weekly Post Office service — an important amenity for local residents.
The Hall is also well known for its community events such as soup and sandwich lunches, the annual April Daffodil Tea, and the July Gala Day. In addition, it is available for weddings, private celebrations, meetings, music performances and drama events.
During 2025, the NACBS Development Officer worked closely with the Hall Trustees to support successful funding applications. This resulted in awards from the Community Asset Maintenance Fund and the Co-op Community Fund, helping to maintain and strengthen this valued community asset.
Big ideas, real impact.
'NACBS is happy to share expertise and welcomes invitations from North Arran groups and organisations to assist with North Arran projects, including grant applications and project management.'