Islands recovery and renewal

We are working with island communities, businesses and partners to build fairer, greener and more prosperous futures for Arran and Cumbrae.

Wee Grants for North Ayrshire Islands 2025 to 2026

This is an exciting new pilot fund empowering communities on Cumbrae and Arran to drive local action, supporting projects that meet community needs and deliver priorities from the Local Islands Plans.

Awards range from £500 to £1,000 for new or existing small-scale projects tackling economic, social and environmental challenges aligned with island priorities. For example:

• strengthening local businesses and supply chains
• using community assets for wellbeing
• digital access and online presence
• culture and heritage
• reducing inequalities
• active travel and transport
• climate resilience

Funds awarded must be spent by 31 March 2026, includes new and existing projects aligned with Local Island Plan priorities.

Applications open at 12pm on 2 December 2025 and close at 11.59pm on 11 January 2026.

Application guidance document has been created for further information and support.

Islands programme

The Islands Programme builds on a successful three year pilot that supported recovery and renewal after the pandemic. It is now a long-term commitment to deliver the ambitions of Arran and Cumbrae through:

• community-led decision making
• inclusive and collaborative working
• realistic and action-focused plans
• support for Net Zero and Community Wealth Building

This is in partnership with the Scottish Government and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise.