Our Vision

We envision Cove and Kilcreggan as a vibrant, safe and resilient place where people choose to live, work and grow together - where our unique coastal and historic environment is cared for & celebrated and everyone, of every age and background, can thrive.

Our community faces real challenges from sustainable transport links and pressures on local services to housing provision that doesn’t meet the needs of young families and older residents. This includes the threat to natural assets such as our woodlands and waterways and key assets like our pier and ferry that connect us with the world beyond.

We know that sustaining our wellbeing – socially, economically and environmentally – means facing these challenges together with bold imagination and shared purpose.

We want Cove & Kilcreggan to be:

Places where people belong

With homes that meet local needs, opportunities for young people and families, and services that support health, education, inclusion & everyday life.
Connected, accessible and inclusive

With better transport, safe walking and cycling routes, and thriving village centres that work for all residents and visitors alike.
Economically strong and locally rooted

Supporting jobs, small businesses, tourism and enterprise that builds on our heritage and landscape.
Active and Healthy

With accessible sports, recreation and outdoor spaces that support physical and mental wellbeing, and bring people together, making most of our land, coast and green spaces.
A community that listens and acts together

Where people’s voices of all ages shape decisions, inspire new ideas, and help guide investment for the long term.
Stewards of our environment

Protecting and enhancing our coastline, nature and biodiversity while preparing for climate impacts and celebrating our woodlands, water and special natural setting.
Creative and proud of our heritage

Valuing our history, stories and built heritage, supporting local artists and makers, and using culture and heritage as a catalyst for regeneration, learning and as a living part of everyday community life.

Development Trusts in Scotland

General Definition of the Role of Development Trusts in Scotland (From DTAS):

In Scotland, a Development Trust is generally understood as a community-led, not-for-profit organisation that exists to bring about social, economic, environmental and cultural benefit for a defined local area.

Widely accepted across the sector, including by Development Trusts Association Scotland, a Development Trust is a community-controlled body owned and managed by local people, with an open and accountable membership, operating on a not-for-profit basis and developing and managing assets, services or enterprises in order to reinvest any surplus back into the community and achieve long-term, sustainable benefit.

In practical terms the role of a trust is to:

act in the long-term interests of the community by stewarding change over decades rather than delivering short-term projects
build community capacity and influence by empowering local people to shape priorities
take ownership of assets and influence decisions affecting their place
develop and manage community assets such as land, buildings or income-generating enterprises that anchor activity locally and provide financial sustainability
enable local economic and social development by supporting enterprise and employment
deliver services where the market or state does not
address local inequalities and needs
Trusts provide a trusted vehicle for partnership and investment by acting as a focal point for funding, an accountable body for community-led projects, and a bridge between the community, the public sector and funders.