Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) recently welcomed representatives from Galson Estate Trust to its offices as part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration between community organisations across the Western Isles.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore ways of improving support for local communities through practical projects and services.
During the visit, representatives heard from Stewart Wilson of PST’s Energy Support Unit (ESU) and Muirneag Consulting, who outlined the wide range of support delivered by the team and highlighted the importance of sharing best practice across the community sector.
“A lack of information exchange between community organisations is often a weakness,” said Stewart. “By strengthening collaboration between trusts and community bodies, we can learn from one another’s experiences rather than continually reinventing the wheel.” Greater support for these types of knowledge-sharing opportunities would help communities across Scotland and the UK maximise the impact of local initiatives.”
Stewart also provided an overview of the ESU’s new Redress-funded Warmth Without Worry project, which helps households affected by damp and mould. The project combines practical assistance, expert advice and financial support, including energy crisis grants, dehumidifiers, window vents and mould treatments, while drawing on the team’s extensive experience in diagnosing and resolving housing issues.
The discussion highlighted the important role played by PST’s Home Repairs Service, which helps identify and address problems at an early stage before they develop into more serious and costly repairs. The scheme has been very popular with local residents since its introduction.
Visitors also met with PST General Manager, Donald John MacSween, who provided an overview of the Trust’s wider activities and community benefit work. The group then visited the Garrabost Mill development, one of PST’s flagship capital projects, where they were able to see first-hand how community investment is helping to preserve local heritage while creating new opportunities for the future.
Galson Estate Trust’s Executive Manager, Jemma Macvicar commented of the visit, “We would like to thank PST for being such welcoming and generous hosts. By working collaboratively, we can achieve more for the communities we serve, strengthening our collective impact and ensuring lasting benefits for local people. We look forward to welcoming PST to our area in the future and building on the relationships and connections established during this visit.”
Donald John MacSween added: “Community trusts across the islands face many similar challenges and opportunities. Visits like this allow us to learn from each other, share ideas and build stronger connections. Ultimately, that benefits the communities we serve and helps ensure that community-owned organisations continue to deliver lasting value for local people.”
The visit formed part of a wider commitment by both organisations to collaborative working and the sharing of knowledge, expertise and practical experience to support resilient and thriving communities across the Western Isles.