TI Newsletter, Feb 2026
Housing at Polldearg
- Communities Housing Trust is working with Tayvallich Initiative to do a detailed feasibility study for housing at Polldearg, the land around Taigh Eairdsidh.
- Some site investigations are currently taking place (you might see a mini-digger at the site in the next few weeks for assessing the ground) and some designs will be worked up.
- This study is funded by a grant from Argyll & Bute Council.
- There will be a TI Community Steering Group meeting for housing shortly to look at the results and to discuss options.
Community Rangers
- Following a round of recruitment and a strong field of candidates, we now have a new Community Ranger.
- Thorkil Osborn will be starting shortly in the role, working alongside Sally Logue.
- Many thanks to Rowan Aitchison for all his work over the last 18 months.
- The Community Ranger roles will continue at least until the summer, and depending on funding opportunities we hope to be able to continue the roles into next year and beyond.
- We’re grateful for funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation for awards to enable work on the community-owned land.
Christmas Trees
- £243.51 was raised with the Christmas tree fund-raiser.
- This included an afternoon cutting Sitka trees and bringing them down to the village, followed by Christmas cheer and mulled wine outside Tayvallich Inn, with trees ready for collection for a donation to TI funds.
- Thanks to Tayvallich Inn for hosting (and supplementing the mulled wine supplies).
Dragonfly habitat improvement
- A work party was held on 11 February to start habitat improvement work in the peat bog / wetland area that we have below Cnoc Leis.
- The improvement plan has been written with the expert advice received last autumn from Pat Batty.
- Anyone who would like to know more or come and lend a hand … please get in touch via ranger@tayvallichinitiative.org
- There are more photos at facebook.com/tayvallichinitiative and instagram.com/tayvinitiative.
Renewables
- Application for planning consent for a potential ground-mounted solar array at Mary’s Land: Following the vote in the hall in October that supported the proposal to apply for planning permission, the Renewables Working Group has worked on these details and has submitted the application to Argyll and Bute Council. This work is supported by the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.
- Possible community share in renewable energy projects: A group of community trusts and community councils is working together to take legal advice on what a shared community approach might look like. This is early stage work to look at what options might be available so that a future TI Community Steering Group meeting can review and discuss opportunities.
- If you’d like to get involved with renewables projects, get in touch via info@tayvallichinitiative.org
Upcoming events and meetings
Mindfulness Walks
- Caroline Waterhouse is leading a series of free mindfulness walks. There’s one each month from January to April; upcoming dates are:
- Wed 18 February, 1pm
- Wed 18 March, 1pm
- Wed 22 April, 1pm
- Meet at 1pm outside Tayvallich Shop. For more information, please email ranger@tayvallichinitiative.org
TI Annual General Meeting
The Third Tayvallich Initiative Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 29 March at 6pm in the Hall.
TI Community Steering Group meetings
- This year there will be TI Community Steering Group meetings
- to look at Housing Feasibility Options at Polldearg, building on the work with Communities Housing Trust
- to develop a Community Action Plan involving all the community organisations and businesses, and building on the visioning work from autumn last year
- to discuss Renewables Opportunities
- More details and dates will be announced shortly.
TI Board Members
- Remember that Tayvallich Initiative is looking for new voices to participate in TI planning and day-to-day work. As part of the rotation of directors over time, at the next AGM one director is stepping down and there is scope for one or two new directors.
- You don’t need previous board experience – we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who care about Tayvallich and want to make a difference. This is a rewarding opportunity to gain experience, contribute strategically, and add a respected role to your CV.
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