News

The annual Helping it Happen Awards recognise the role of the estates, farms, rural businesses and individuals who are helping rural Scotland thrive; the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October. 

The Mount Stuart Trust is a charitable trust managed by a board of independent trustees, which works to facilitate public interest, understanding and appreciation of the arts, architecture and the rural environment. At the heart of Mount Stuart Trust is a commitment to the Isle of Bute and all those who live and work on it. Through employment, education, access to nature, housing and much more, Mount Stuart Trust is a proud member of the community and a key economic driver for the island.

Following a survey, it became apparent that the local community wanted greater engagement with the Trust and its activities. As a result of this, the Trust appointed a Business and Community liaison Officer, Fiona Hardie, to lead community engagement across the charity and act as a key point of contact for community members.

To ensure greater transparency on behalf of the community, the Trust has promised to provide up-to-date information on its team, projects and the land it manages; as well as issuing a quarterly newsletter in print and digital formats. The Trust has further committed to setting up a bi-annual community engagement forum to meet with senior operations team and decision makers from the Trust. Similarly, by hosting child-friendly information days residents can meet the MST team, visit different sites on the island and question senior managers and Trustees in an informal setting.

The Trust hopes to improve its community outreach by teaching school children and young people about land-use practices and decision-making, and by attending schools or hosting farm visits. Similarly, by maintaining regular contact with Bute Island Radio and the Isle of Bute News, the Trust hopes to grow awareness for the site while following the guidance set out by the Scottish Land Commission’s ‘Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land’. 

In the last three years, MST has brought six new farming families to the island on 15-year Modern Limited Duration Tenancies ensuring more children in the schools and a thriving agricultural community. They have built 10 Passivhaus homes providing affordable and sustainable accommodation for families, with an emphasis on those looking to bring new businesses to the island. 

In Spring 2022, MST invited individuals and businesses from across Bute to participate in a survey and share their views of the Trust, its operations, aims and objectives. 90% of respondents expressed an interest in more community engagement from the Trust, and over 60% wanted to know more about the Trust and its operations. In addition, one-to-one conversations were held to discuss in detail how the community could communicate their wishes to decision-makers at the Trust.

In February 2023, the Trust launched its community engagement plan, following an extensive consultation with over 100 local individuals and organisations providing feedback. The Trust understands that many of the decisions it makes as a charity impact the broader island community, but it aspires to be a good neighbour and is committed to ensuring that all those who live and work on the island can engage with the Trust in a constructive, open and honest manner. All funds generated through its operations are reinvested into the Trust to ensure a long-term sustainable future that continues to create economic value for the Island of Bute through employment, tourism revenue, housing and much more. The Trust continues to prioritise the long-term sustainability of the Island and is delighted that they continue to build on their strong relationship with those who live and work on the Island.

The Trust is in the process of completing voluntary registration of all its land holdings with Registers of Scotland; as soon as this exercise is complete, this information will be shared on their website.

Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates and the awards here.