New custodians for key community building

July saw the culmination of months of work, with the Trust’s transfer of ownership of what has become "Tarbert Softplay". Rionnagan Oga have been operating the Softplay for a number of years, so it made sense to transfer ownership to this other local charity (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) at no cost.

NHT Directors Robert MacKinnon and Calum MacKay with Rionnagan Oga Trustees and users

The building, located in West Tarbert dates back to the 1930s, when the land was transferred to Inverness County Council to construct a District Clerk Office. In 1997 the local authority transferred ownership to Croileagan an Tarbert. It then operated as a Croileagan/Nursery for a number of years. In 2010 the Trust managed to secure funding for insulation measures for the building.

In 2013 Croileagan an Tarbert was wound up, with some services relocating to the new Sir E Scott school building across the road. At this point the Trust was approached to take on the building to ensure it remained in community use. Under Trust ownership, 50% funding was secured from HIE (Highlands & Islands Enterprise) for a complete refurbishment. The tired building had new windows, doors, toilet, kitchen, heating and lighting installed at a cost of over £40,000.

In 2016, when work was complete, the building was leased to Rionnagan Oga who had a plan to install soft play equipment for children under age 8. Their committee worked hard to secure funding to install the play equipment and employ a play-worker to prepare children for pre-school nursery.

Soft-play equipment (photo: Rionnagan Oga)

The softplay building is now used daily by local families. It plays a vital role in the community, providing a space for parents and families to meet and socialise.  Ownership of the building will now give the group an opportunity to develop the space to better suit their needs.

“We would like to thank North Harris Trust for this opportunity and their support over the last 13 years,” added Kathleen Duce, Chairperson of Rionnagan Òga