From grant giver to providing jobs and digital training for islanders

25th July 2023

The evolution of Isle Develop

We’ve evolved quite a bit in our short life span though our purpose remains the same; to reinvest profits into island communities encouraging thriving economies for generations So what did that look like when we first started?

Every booking we take is positively shaping the future of Scotland’s island communities,  putting their residents at the heart of island economies. 

Well, the commission secured on each accommodation booking was initially used to provide small grants to micro businesses between one and two people. And that’s exactly what we did for Sandra who owns Modren producing custom made Harris Tweed leather bags and accessories.

Having struggled through the massive trials of 2020, Sandra's sewing machine broke down for the last time and she wasn’t able to raise the capital to purchase a new one. She realized quickly that a modern machine would increase her workflow, creating bigger and better opportunities for the business. 

Isle Develop CIC contributed towards the purchase of her new sewing machine. Sandra explains how this was a game changer, in her own words “This couldn't have come at a better time. My previous sewing machine was a proper workhorse, so finding out I'd 'worked it to death' really wasn't welcome news.”

She went on to tell us, "I knew its replacement needed to cope with some heavy-duty sewing, but covid and Brexit had left the coffers pretty bare. The backup machines were slow and cumbersome, struggling to do the work. The new machine is both faster and stronger, meaning I can extend my products into premium markets using heavier leather and more complex construction techniques. The grant was a lifeline.”

We’re so pleased we could support Sandra and proud to watch her business grow with continued success.      

The Tiree Crab Company is another island business we supported financially. Callum Williams and Kirsty Bennett made a huge career leap and opened a retail outlet for locally landed and sourced shellfish. The success was almost overnight, now as well as selling their own fresh catch they’ve expanded to include products from the Argyll community. The results speak for themselves, to see their business grow and achieve great success warms our “cockles” - literally. 

In Callum and Kirsty’s words “It’s great to have support from another local business to help us grow and provide a year-round service whilst working closely with other island producers”. 

Being a fund giver relies on continual profit streams, and there’s the added challenge of prioritizing businesses in need of the most support. An impossible task as each island business has equal merit. 

From the many insights we’ve received from property owners, and feedback from island communities it’s become increasingly apparent there’s a lack of confidence and experience around ‘digital’. Not only that, school leavers and young adults are forced to leave the islands to pursue a career in tech from a lack of opportunity.  This is where we can really make a positive impact amongst community groups, property owners and young people. 

We are digital specialists with the ‘savvy’ and experience to train island communities who could not otherwise afford to access it. And, as our business grows so does our team, enabling us to create digital jobs, two already in fact. 

Providing digital training will secure a brighter and more stable future for island communities. Having an online presence is absolutely essential these days, particularly for remote island businesses that rely heavily on footfall to survive.  With a functioning user-friendly website and active social channels, they are able to reach a much wider audience and sell online. Key for survival and securing island legacy. 

Every booking we take is positively shaping the future of Scotland’s island communities, putting their residents at the heart of island economies. 

Explore our amazing island accommodation options here, and plan your next adventure!