SIF is led by its members which includes Development Trusts, Community Companies, Community Councils, individual islanders, and other bodies concerned with the sustainability of island communities.
The more members SIF has, the stronger and more proactive it can become. You can find out more about membership here and our current members are listed below:
An Tobar and Mull Theatre is a leading multi-arts organisation based on the Isle of Mull, dedicated to creating and presenting exceptional arts experiences for audiences across Scotland and beyond.
With a vibrant year-round programme, it supports and showcases work across music, visual arts, theatre, and creative learning. The organisation champions new talent, nurtures local creativity, and brings high-quality touring productions to island audiences.
Established in 1965, Arran CVS coordinates voluntary effort across the Island of Arran and supports the many community and voluntary organisations operating locally. As a charitable organisation, it provides essential information, guidance, and office services, as well as short-term projects that address local needs and fill gaps in support.
Barra & Vatersay Community Ltd
Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra and Vatersay Community) Ltd is a community owned company whose aim is to support community development on Barra and Vatersay. The company is managed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from the Company membership. The membership of the company stands at 275 presently, and is open to any residents of Barra and Vatersay who are on the voting register.
Beachwatch Bute SCIO is a charitable organisation formed in 1998. A Beachranger is employed to monitor and remove marine litter from the shores of Bute.
Breasclete Community Council represents the interests of residents in Breasclete and the surrounding area, acting as a key link between the community and local authorities.
Bressay Development Ltd is a community led organisation with a wide vision for supporting our community. BDL runs Speldiburn Cafe and Good As New Shop along with artist studios and art gallery Speldiburn as well as the Bressay Community Woodland at the Brough Loch. We provide regular activities on Bressay and a regular newsletter to island households.
Broadford and Strath Community Company
The Broadford & Strath Community Company was formed in 2003, evolving from the Broadford Environmental Development Group. We are a Scottish Registered Charity and Registered Company limited by guarantee.
The mission of the Company is to improve the natural and built environment of Broadford and Strath, and ensure it is a desirable place in which current and future generations enjoy living, working and spending time.
Bute Community Council represents the interests of residents across the Isle of Bute, acting as a vital link between the community and local authorities. The council works to highlight local priorities, support community initiatives, and ensure island voices are heard in decisions that shape daily life.
Bùth Bharraigh is a community retail and visitor hub in the heart of Castlebay, Isle of Barra. They are a social enterprise that helps the community flourish by providing a range of goods and services. Bùth Bharraigh is a route to market for local suppliers and acts as a point of contact for many people on the island, especially through the winter months when other services on the island are closed.
Isle of Canna Community Development Trust
The IoCCDT was set up to stimulate sustainable demographic growth supported by good employment opportunities, good services, facilities and affordable housing. It provides a focus for the administration of community projects and a vehicle to manage assets on behalf of the community. All Canna residents are encouraged to get involved and to share in the work of being a director.
Clean Coast Outer Hebrides is an environmental charity whose mission is to protect the coastline of the Outer Hebrides. Their vision is to end coastal pollution around our islands.
They engage tourists and the local community, lead beach cleans, deliver educational outreach sessions to schools and community groups, and host environmental discussions.
Climate Hebrides CIC exists to promote collaboration and action across the islands on climate change. We bring people together: communities, businesses and agencies to tackle the greatest threat to our islands.
Coll Community Council represents the interests of residents on the Isle of Coll, working to support local wellbeing, sustainability, and community life. The Council acts as a vital link between the island community and Argyll and Bute Council, voicing local priorities on issues such as transport, housing, environment, and services.
Community Energy Scotland is a member-led, independent organisation providing practical & technical support for community project development. We work in partnership with community groups and others who share our values, building their understanding and capacity to create more democratic, sustainable and low carbon solutions.
Communities Housing Trust (CHT) is a registered charity and social enterprise focused on building sustainable rural communities across central and northern Scotland.
Founded in 1998 as the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust, CHT has earned a reputation for providing essential affordable housing and accompanying amenities such as shops, services and schools, which are all key to the sustainable social and economic wealth and wellbeing of our communities.
Community Land Scotland is the representative body for Scotland’s community landowners — a movement of people taking control of land, buildings and assets to shape their own futures. They were established to provide a collective voice for community landowners in Scotland.
They have 140 member organisations across Scotland, ranging from community landowners of major crofting estates in the Western Isles to inner city community hubs in diverse communities.
Their vision is for the community ownership of land and buildings to be a significant driver of sustainable development across the whole of Scotland.
Isle of Cumbrae Initiative Community Company
The Isle of Cumbrae Initiative Community Company (ICICC) is a community-led organisation working to support the social, environmental, and economic wellbeing of the island. The company leads local projects that enhance life on Cumbrae — from community facilities and events to sustainability and regeneration initiatives
DTA Scotland (Development Trusts Association Scotland) is a member-led charity that promotes, supports, and represents community development trusts across Scotland.With over 350 member organisations operating in urban, rural, and island communities, DTA Scotland helps these community-led groups build social, economic, and environmental renewal through enterprise and innovation.
Formed in 2006, Development Coll exists to promote the sustainable development and regeneration of the Isle of Coll for the benefit of residents, visitors, groups and businesses. Among a number of past and current projects, Development Coll operates An Cridhe (the community centre) and the nearby Coll Bunkhouse. It is owned and managed by the local community, as a development trust with charitable status, to tackle local issues and improve the quality of life to help build a vibrant and sustainable community.
Dunvegan Community Trust
Dunvegan Community Trust incorporated in 2022 in order to run more ambitious projects in the local area and enact real positive change to the lives of the people who live here. We currently manage and maintain a pair of community buildings (the Gaeltec Buildings), the community park, a community minibus and are working towards several other projects with the aim of making the Dunvegan Community a resilient, sustainable and productive one.
The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust is the charity which owns the Isle of Eigg. It manages and stewards the island’s development for current and future residents. The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust was established to provide and create opportunity for economic development, housing and infrastructure, whilst conserving our natural and cultural heritage to ensure that development takes place in a sustainable way.
Eriskay Historical Society was established in February 2010 to document the history of their island community situated between South Uist and Barra. Its initial interest was in collecting photographs relating to the island and identifying individuals within them. The Society acquired the former Eriskay School and is working to redevelop it as a heritage centre and community hub with a tearoom and wellbeing activities.
Galson Estate is a community-owned estate of 56,000 acres of coast, agricultural land and moor in the North West of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The estate comprises 22 villages running from Upper Barvas to Port of Ness with a population of nearly 2,000 people. The estate passed into community ownership on 12 January 2007, to be managed on their behalf by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.
The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust
Gigha was handed over to the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) on the 15th March 2002, a day that is marked on the island every year as “Gigha Day”.
The Trust is managed by a Board of voluntary Directors. They are elected by the membership to develop the assets of the island and take forward plans and projects for the community. There are subsidiary companies in place to generate income to the Trust that helps to continue to develop the island.
Greener Orkney (GO) is a volunteer run organisation whose charitable objectives are twofold. One is the advancement of environmental protection by reducing Orkney’s carbon footprint and raising awareness of climate change among the community. The other is the advancement of education by presenting workshops, lectures and lessons on a range of environmental matters to improve the community’s knowledge of climate change and how they can make a difference.
TheHarris Forum is a constituted group that aims to carry out the following:
– Discuss and promote social and economic matters which affect the whole of Harris.
– Come to an agreed “whole of Harris” decision on specific topics and issues.
– Support individual projects particularly those needing support for funding applications.
– Promote communication and cohesion between the various groups operating in the Harris community.
– Develop the Harris Plan.
– Improve communication with the Harris Community advising them of the work of the Harris Forum, its Development Officer and its Member Organisations.
Harris Voluntary Service exists to represent & support the voluntary sector, to assist organisations in coming together for common purposes, and to enable local people to gain access to decision-making processes which affect their community.
The Island of Hoy Development Trust (IoHDT) is a charitable organisation founded in 2007. It’s role is to enhance social, educational, economic and environmental aspect of the island. It is a not-for-profit organisation but owns a commercial trading subsidiary Hoy Energy Ltd. which operates a 900kW wind turbine. This enterprise provides a long term income stream to support the Trust and it’s work.
As a community-based charity, Islay Development Initiative mission is to create sustainable employment and deliver long-term change in the use of our natural resources. They do this by developing a series of initiatives which reduce their impact on Islay and the wider environment, enhance their quality of life and protect the very nature of their beautiful island.
The general purpose of a community council is to act as a voice for their local area. This will involve them articulating the views and concerns of local people in their area on a wide range of issues of public concern and making representations to their local authority, other public sector bodies and private agencies on matters within their sphere of interest.
Jura Community Business
Isle of Jura Development Trust
The Jura Development Trust (JDT) is a voluntary organisation based in the Isle of Jura whose mission is to improve the quality of life on the island and ensure that the people who call Jura home have a say in the island’s future.
Isle of Kerrera Development Trust
The island is home to 64 full time residents. The Isle of Kerrera Development Trust (IKDT) was registered as a charity in May 2009 and is also a Company Limited by Guarantee. Its aim is to represent the views of the islanders and to initiate and develop projects that will benefit the island, its community and its visitors.
Keep Scotland Beautiful is a charity committed to inspiring action that protects and enhances Scotland’s environment.
It works with communities, schools, businesses, and public bodies to tackle climate change, reduce litter, and support biodiversity. Through education programmes, practical initiatives, and nationwide campaigns, the charity empowers people to make sustainable choices and take pride in the places they live, work, and visit.
From beach cleans to climate action training, Keep Scotland Beautiful aims to make Scotland cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for everyone.
The Lismore Community Trust works to support and strengthen life on the Isle of Lismore through community ownership, sustainability, and local development. Run by and for the island’s residents, the Trust leads projects that protect Lismore’s natural environment, enhance local facilities, and create opportunities for people to live and work on the island.
Lismore is a 10 mile long Inner Hebridean island near Oban, situated at the very South end of the Great Glen. Because of its location, it has played an important part in the prehistory and history of the West Highlands and Islands and has an ancient and unbroken tradition of Gaelic Culture with a remarkable variety of historical monuments.
The Isle of Luing Community Trust was established in May 2005. It is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. It is led by Luing residents who make up the Board of Directors.
The company’s main purpose is the sustainable development of the island of Luing. This includes provision and access to recreational facilities and events; advancing education in Luing history and heritage; community development including rural regeneration; and to improve opportunities locally for training and employment and advance environmental protection.
Mull and Iona Community Trust is a dedicated and passionate locally based organisation focused on improving the quality of life for the residents of Mull and Iona. With a long track record of delivering successful community development projects; addressing problems of geographic isolation and economic and social exclusion in remote and rural communities. Mull and Iona Community Trust takes pride in working with many external organisations and crucially within our own community.
The North Ronaldsay Trust (NRT) aims to preserve the built and natural heritage of the island for the benefit of the community and the public at large. These include structures such as the Old Beacon, the two Kirks, the unique stonewall dyke, the seaweed-eating North Ronaldsay sheep, the flora and fauna, the geological and archaeological features, and the Island’s natural beauty. The Trust also promotes industry and commerce through projects such as the self-catering Cottages and Cafe (cafe currently not open) at the New Lighthouse. Other activities of the NRT include housing, the relief of poverty, help for the aged, handicapped and infirm, and the advancement of education through creative applications of technology for distance learning.
North West Mull Community Woodland Co Ltd
NWMCWC was set up by the local community in 2006 to purchase and manage the Langamull and West Ardhu forests in North West Mull. To date the Company have created a 16.5km haul route to bring landlocked timber to market, built a 95kw micro hydro scheme, created 9 Forest Crofts and set up Island Woodfuels, producing all the island’s woodchip and running a firewood business. Focus now is on forest design planning and replant.
North Yell Development Council
NYDC was established to strengthen the community and enhance the local tradition of pulling together to get things done, with a focus on making North Yell a better place to live, work and visit. From the outset the group identified the importance of Enterprise, Initiative and Self-Help, which continue to be our fundamental principles.
Point and Sandwick Trust is a charitable organisation based in the Outer Hebrides that uses the income of community generated wind power to support local social, cultural, educational and environmental development.
The Trust built and operates the UK’s biggest community wind farm and has been recognised as leading the way in community renewable energy. Funding projects of all sizes, the Trust provides significant support within the crofting communities of Point and Sandwick on the Isle of Lewis, and the wider Western Isles.
Raasay Development Trust (RDT) is a community-led charity focused on supporting sustainable development across the Isle of Raasay.
Through a range of projects—such as creating affordable housing, improving community infrastructure, and enhancing visitor amenities—RDT works to strengthen the island’s resilience and wellbeing.
Rousay Eglisay & Wyre Development Trust
The Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust serves as the dedicated organization overseeing the development of these three islands, which together house a community of approximately 260 residents. Collaboratively established in 2006, the trust emerged from the collective efforts of the community to address local issues and enhance the overall quality of life for its inhabitants. Our overarching goal is to foster vibrancy and sustainability across our three picturesque islands.
At the core of our initiatives, the trust owns a community 900kw wind turbine that generates a steady income. This income is directly utilized to fund projects aimed at realizing our objectives or to provide grants that directly benefit the residents of our community.
Sanday Development Trust is the community-led organisation serving Sanday, Orkney, committed to building a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for the island.
The Trust runs projects that meet core local needs — from housing and care provision to heritage and economic development. Its “Care for Sanday” initiative will deliver twelve adaptable homes and a community health hub to support residents of all ages.
Scottish Rural Action is a national charity that works to empower and connect rural and island communities across Scotland. Through advocacy, partnership-building and the delivery of the Scottish Rural & Island Parliament, the organisation amplifies local voices and ensures rural priorities are heard in national decision-making. Its mission is to foster thriving, equitable and sustainable rural communities across Scotland.
Seil & Easdale Community Council
The Trust was formed by the residents of Shapinsay. Its role in the greater scheme of things is to be the vehicle through which the islanders can collectively help to maintain and improve their lives on the beautiful, peaceful island of Shapinsay. All Shapinsay residents over the age of 18 can apply for membership of the Trust. The Directors of the Trust are elected from within the membership of the Trust by the members.
Sleat Community Trust aspires to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Sleat peninsula through supporting economic development and maintaining the high quality environment. Formed in 2003 to support sustainable economic, environmental and social development in the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
The Small Isles Community Council consists of representatives from Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. The islands of Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum lie just south of the Isle of Skye, sitting between the west coast Scottish mainland and the Western Isles.
South West Mull & Iona Development
South West Mull and Iona Development (SWMID) is a not-for-profit community company limited by guarantee with an operating area comprising the south west corner of the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Iona. Their activities are led by the communities’ needs and aspirations and they consult local people on a regular basis
Urras an Taobh Sear ~ Staffin Community Trust exists to tackle the range of challenges faced by our rural community in the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish Highlands.
SCT works with, and for our community, in the north-east of the island. SCT is a charity and its project work is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s Community Capacity Building Programme.
Stòras Uibhist handles the day-to-day responsibilities of the community owned South Uist Estate as well as the planning and implementation of large and small scale development projects within it. The estate comprises the islands of Eriskay, South Uist and parts of Benbecula – all within the Southern Isles of the Outer Hebrides.
TIG are a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. We are run primarily for the benefit of the community at large. This means that we have an overarching community purpose that aims to reach and support every home, village and island of the Outer Hebrides.
Tiree Community Council is the grassroots tier of statutory representation on the island, acting as an essential link between the community and public authorities. Its role is to ensure that the views, needs, and priorities of Tiree’s residents are clearly heard and understood by Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government, and other bodies whose decisions impact the island.
Tiree Community Development Trust
Urras Thiriodh, or Tiree Community Development Trust, is a charitable organisation set up to work towards long-term sustainable community development goals. We do our best to address vital service needs and to improve the lives of the people who live here. We are community-led and run by an elected board of Tiree permanent residents.
Towards Zero Carbon Bute
Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations (UCVO) is a charity and company limited by guarantee, serving as the third-sector interface for the Western Isles between Berneray and Eriskay.
It offers a single point of access to support and advice for voluntary organisations and social enterprises, helping them with funding, governance, strategy, and capacity building.
Uist Wind is a project of the North Uist Development Company (Trading) Ltd, a Community Benefit Society based on the Hebridean Isle of North Uist.
Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay
Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay has a long history beginning in the late 1960’s becoming a charity (SC015602) in 1984 and more recently a company limited by guarantee (SC162441) in 1996. They are committed to developing and delivering activities that contribute to the long term social, economic and environmental vitality of our islands.
Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting and developing the third sector across Orkney — including community groups, charities, volunteers, and social enterprises.
West Harris Trust
Westray Development Trust
The Young Islanders Network (YIN) is a youth-led organisation dedicated to empowering young people in island communities across Scotland. With a focus on connection, opportunity, and advocacy, YIN works to ensure that the voices of island youth are heard in decision-making at local and national levels.
Like to join Scottish Islands Federation? Find out more HERE.