This Gathering was the third in our series of regional residential exchanges. While the CLE funding formed part of the overall event budget, it was particularly important in enabling the study visit hosting and covering most delegate travel costs. This was critical to ensuring that groups from across Argyll and Lochaber, the Inner Isles, and surrounding areas were able to participate fully. As with earlier events, funding directly enabled the mix of study visit, structured discussion, and informal network-building that defined the experience.

Peer discussion remained central to the programme’s impact. Across formal sessions and informal conversations, delegates explored shared challenges in governance, board capacity, relationships between staff and trustees, and long‑term organisational sustainability. Several participants noted that hearing from other trusts at different stages of maturity exposed them to new approaches to leadership, joint working, and organisational development. The open, honest nature of discussion was widely valued.

The study visit to Kinlochleven CDT produced especially meaningful learning. Delegates emphasised how helpful it was to hear directly from the Trust about long‑term land, housing, and organisational challenges, and to experience these issues in their local context.

Learning Outcomes

• Delegates will deepen their understanding of effective, ongoing community engagement, drawing on practical examples from the study visit and peer discussion, and identify approaches they can adapt within their own organisations.
• Delegates will strengthen their thinking and planning around succession, including how to encourage new people into leadership roles, support volunteer development, and build long-term organisational resilience.
• Delegates will build meaningful peer connections with other community groups, with dedicated time together -including shared travel – helping to form relationships that support continued learning, collaboration, and problem-solving beyond the event.

"The peer support offered through this exchange has strengthened our regional connections. The reassurance you receive of discovering common ground with other trusts is invaluable."