Spagan Community Fund awards record £110,000 to Barra and Vatersay
Funding includes a landmark 21st birthday grant to the local Heritage Society.
Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (CBaB) has announced that the Spagan Community Fund has awarded £110,000 to community organisations across Barra and Vatersay in its 2026 funding round — the largest distribution in the Fund’s history.
A highlight of this year’s round is the award of a £50,000 large grant to the Barra and Vatersay Heritage Society. This significant award forms part of CBaB’s 21st birthday celebrations and represents the first time the Fund has offered a grant of this scale. The large grant programme was open to all eligible organisations and was designed to support transformational projects that will leave a lasting legacy for the islands.
“We are thrilled to see so many dedicated community groups receiving support through the Spagan Fund this year. As we celebrate CBaB’s 21st birthday, the £50,000 award to the Barra and Vatersay Heritage Society is a real milestone — a symbol of our ambition to invest meaningfully in projects that will shape these islands for generations to come. We are enormously proud of every organisation funded this year and look forward to seeing the difference these awards will make.”
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this £50,000 funding award, which will make a lasting difference to our centre and to our community. The project represents a vital investment in the future of our heritage centre, combining digitisation and infrastructure improvements to improve accessibility, engagement and preservation. This support will help us protect and promote the language and culture of our islands for generations to come.”
The breadth of this year’s funded projects reflects the vibrant and resilient communities of Barra and Vatersay. Across the standard grants programme, a total of £60,000 has been awarded to seven community organisations, supporting projects ranging from youth activities and heritage to sport and community infrastructure:
- The Barra Youth Café has received £6,500 to contribute to the delivery of a full summer programme of outdoor adventures, creative activities and youth work sessions for young people on Barra and Vatersay. Activities will include surf lessons, coasteering, and other trips.
- Garadh a Bhagh a Tuath, a busy community garden and café in Northbay, has been awarded £14,000 to expand its programme of community activities. New classes will include balance sessions for fall prevention, buggy walks, and weekend garden workshops for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, complementing existing provision such as gentle movement classes, messy play for toddlers, and hosting the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative.
- The Barra and Vatersay War Memorial Association has received £6,250 to construct safe access to the war memorial and restore its lettering, ensuring the site can be visited safely by the community and tourists alike. The Association said the award will serve as a lasting reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those whose names are recorded on the memorial.
- The Vatersay Pier Users Association has been awarded £7,500 to contribute to funding the employment of a part-time Project Assistant supporting the ongoing planning and development of the Vatersay Pier Marine project. The post provides continuity and administrative support as the project progresses through key development stages, helping to deliver long-term benefits for the Vatersay community and marine infrastructure.
- Further awards include £8,500 to the Barra and Vatersay Piping Group, £14,000 to Castlebay Parent Council for accessible play equipment, and £3,250 to Barra Running Club.
This year’s funding round saw the total of grants available rise to £110,000 across the standard and large grants programme, reflecting CBaB’s ambition to make a greater impact across the islands.
Foundation Scotland oversees the application process and funding assessments for the Spagan Fund.
"The wealth and variety of projects that have received funding this year demonstrate the difference that vibrant community organisations make within Barra and Vatersay. CBaB’s commitment to providing long-term funding for Barra and Vatersay is important in continuing to support quality of life and build community capacity for the area through the delivery of a community-owned energy project."
Organisations interested in applying to future rounds should ensure they are registered members of CBaB. To check your membership status, contact marina@barra-vatersay.org.uk.
The Spagan Fund has been supporting community initiatives on Barra and Vatersay since 2018. CBaB, a community-owned company managed by a volunteer board of Directors and established in 2005, oversees the Fund.
For further information visit the Fund Page.