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Youth group secure Community Asset Transfer of key hub
The future of a vital community hub for young people has been secured after Arran Youth Foundation’s Community Asset Transfer of the Arran Youth Hut was rubber-stamped.
Councillors approved the application at a recent meeting of Cabinet.
The CAT agreement will see the Arran Youth Foundation take on a 25-year lease which will allow them to develop and complete their proposals for a new building on the same site on the grounds of Arran High School.
Island Youth Work services are currently provided in a structure of four linked portacabins, estimated to be over 25 years old. The existing centre is showing signs of significant deterioration with the cabins being beyond serviceable life.
Through ongoing consultation with Arran’s young people, it has been identified that a new facility will be transformational, safeguarding these vital youth services for
years to come. In a recent locality planning engagement, young people told the Council that the centre “is the only free space left for young people on Arran”.
A Feasibility Study was carried out in 2024, and the preferred solution was identified as demolition of the existing building and the siting of a new portacabin, offering accommodation similar to the existing centre. An application for funding based on this option was successful, resulting in an award of £382,399 for the capital project.
The original CAT application was approved by Cabinet in 2020, with officers authorised to conclude the legal and Community Asset Transfer processes.As part of the continued growth and capacity building of AYF, and having considered the conditions of the full CAT ownership, the Board of Directors paused the progression of the CAT. This was influenced by the impact of the pandemic and concerns about the condition of the building.
After consideration, it was a felt that a 25-year lease provides stability that meets the needs of the Board of Directors and young people while providing additional opportunities for growth.
Quote: Arran Youth Foundation are a fantastic organisation that provide a fantastic service for young people on the island. Members of the group report improved mood and a feeling of belonging and self-worth as they learn and create new things together. We are delighted to have supported them to secure the necessary funding for the redevelopment and to now conclude the Community Asset Transfer of the facility. The 25-year lease gives them real security and also flexibility to allow them to embark on their plans for the development. We look forward to hearing more about the new facility and its positive impact it has over the coming months.”
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Islands, Communities and Housing, said
Published: 10 February 2026