A COMMUNITY group which has spent the past eight years transforming Innellan has received the highest possible recognition from Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Inspiring Innellan has been awarded Level 5 — Outstanding following its latest It’s Your Neighbourhood assessment, with judges praising volunteers for enhancing the village’s environment, celebrating its heritage and creating welcoming spaces for both residents and visitors.
The group, which was established in 2018 by local residents, was assessed by volunteer assessor Wendy Murray, who commended the dedication of volunteers and the remarkable impact they have had throughout the village.
Her report praised the organisation’s welcoming approach, describing community participation as being at the heart of everything it does.
Volunteers organise year-round activities, community work parties, fundraising events and social gatherings, helping to bring together both long-standing residents and newcomers while strengthening community resilience. The group also raises funds through coffee mornings, plant sales and quiz nights to support projects across the village.
Environmental sustainability was highlighted as one of Inspiring Innellan’s greatest strengths.
The report recognised the group’s commitment to biodiversity through the creation of wildflower areas, careful planting for pollinators and the installation of water butts to harvest rainwater. Volunteers also make their own compost and leaf mould, recycle materials wherever possible and have transformed old boats, canoes and reclaimed materials into attractive community features.
Among the group’s most significant achievements has been the recovery and public display of the historic Matheson bell from the former Innellan Church, preserving an important part of the village’s heritage for future generations.
The assessment also praised the extensive work carried out across Innellan, including improvements to Cluniter Point, Secret Bay, the Village Green, War Memorial Gardens, Eleanor Lane and the former derelict Yellow Chipped Road.
Many of these areas, once overgrown or neglected, have been transformed into attractive public spaces featuring accessible paths, picnic areas, wildlife habitats, restored benches and colourful planting designed to support nature while enhancing the village’s appearance.
The group’s gardening work also impressed assessors.
Volunteers now grow many of their own plants in a donated conservatory and raised beds before planting them throughout the village. Fruit and vegetables grown by the group have been sold locally, while fruit trees have also been donated to the local nursery school.
In her concluding remarks, assessor Wendy Murray wrote: “Inspiring Innellan have achieved so much over the last eight years and really raised the profile of Innellan’s important heritage.
“They have improved several areas across the whole village, enhancing life not just for people but for wildlife and nature.”
She added: “The continued commitment of all those involved is commendable, as maintaining enthusiasm and commitment over long periods of time isn’t easy. It requires drive and passion to keep making a difference and improving not just the environment but the lives of all those who live in and visit Innellan.
“Your work is clearly valued, and this is evidenced by the number of thanks and donations you receive. Well done everybody.”
While recognising the group’s success, the report noted that maintaining a strong volunteer base remains a challenge. However, Inspiring Innellan was praised for creating an inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities can contribute, as well as for working closely with other organisations and encouraging younger volunteers to become involved.
The report also welcomed the group’s proposal to install a public water refill point for walkers and cyclists, wishing volunteers success with their application to Scottish Water.
Inspiring Innellan achieved Level 5 — Outstanding, the highest award available through Keep Scotland Beautiful’s It’s Your Neighbourhood programme.
