Kerrera Old School

Isle of Kerrera Development Trust

From redundant school building to a thriving hub for the community and visitors alike

Prominently situated on the small Isle of Kerrera, immediately offshore from Oban, this redundant school building dates from 1872 and is one of a few historic buildings on the island. It is a single storey, traditional rubble stone structure, with a duo-pitch slated roof comprising three rooms: the entrance and kitchen area, the main school room, and a 1980's toilet block extension. The school closed in 1997 and, while structurally sound, the building was suffering with water ingress and signs of dampness.

The Isle of Kerrera Development Trust was set up in 2009 to sustain the island, including its community, amenities, culture and heritage. With no amenities on the island to serve a youthful and growing population, the local community was keen to re-purpose Kerrera Old School as a community facility for a range of activities. In addition to use by islanders, the space would be available for hire (particularly from groups engaging in outdoor activities) and provide basic facilities for tourists during the summer season. A separate bothy providing visitor accommodation would assist with ongoing revenue for the Trust. Traditional skills training was also to become a key element of the project, along with sourcing materials as locally as possible. The school building was acquired in 2019 with funding provided by the Scottish Land Fund.

The AHF supported the Trust a couple of times as this project developed, initially awarding a Project Development Grant to secure technical advice to specify conservation repair methods and materials, particularly considering the exposed location. A further grant was then awarded to assist with the cost of a technical project manager at a critical time when there was pressure to secure the building warrant - this being necessary to enable draw down of capital funds for the initial package of wind and watertight works. Overall, a funding package of twelve funders plus creative crowdfunding initiatives met capital costs of circa £500K. The project completed and opened in March 2024, now operating as a successful hub for both the community and visitors alike.

https://isleofkerrera.org/old-school

AHF Funding

Project Development Grant - £4,500 (2020)

Project Development Grant - £7,819 (2020)

Photo Credits

Isle of Kerrera Development Trust