NWMCWC

North West Mull Community Woodland Company

Two Major Projects for Ulva

NWMCWC is pleased to share that the charity has recently secured two grants supporting key development projects for Ulva — the island’s new community landing craft and the revival of Ulva Church.

Over the summer, work has been underway to secure funding for the Ulva landing craft. The charity has now been awarded a grant from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme to kick-start the project. This phase will focus on design, regulatory and licensing work, and developing a detailed business model — ensuring that when a vessel is built, it’s fit for purpose, built to last, and financially sustainable for the community. This preparatory stage will run until March 2026, creating a strong foundation for future funding applications to build the vessel.

At the same time, NWMCWC has also secured a grant from the CLLD Development and Improvement Challenge Fund to carry out a proof of concept study for reinstating Ulva Church as a community and multi-function space. This marks an exciting first step toward bringing the church back to life and will inform future funding applications for renovation and stabilisation.

To lead this work, the charity has appointed New Practice, part of Civic — a Glasgow-based team specialising in architecture, community development, and engagement. Their Place Lead, Samuel, will be visiting Ulva between 4th and 8th December to meet residents and explore ideas for the church’s future. NWMCWC intentionally selected an independent firm with no local affiliations to ensure the process is open and objective.

Both projects reflect the charity’s commitment to Ulva’s long-term sustainability and resilience.

More details about how the community can get involved in the church engagement will be shared soon.

Argyll & Bute Council’s announcement on Islands Programme’s funding

Public Notice

North West Mull Community Woodland Company has received an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the use of a small building at Bracadale Steadings, Ulva (circled in the image below).

About the Proposal

The received EOI proposes the following:

  • Proposed use: storage space for a seaweed skincare business, with potential future development into a workshop.
  • Community benefit: increasing the visibility, reputation and economic output of the island; providing self-employment opportunity and potential employment.
  • Investment in the repair and reuse of this building, in line with sustainable development goals.

We are sharing this information to give the community the opportunity to provide feedback or submit alternative proposals.

Provide feedback

You can share your views on the received proposal or the use of the asset. Feedback will be considered before any decision is made.

Submit your own EOI

If you or your group have an alternative idea for using this asset, you are also welcome to submit your own EOI. To do so, you will need to complete an Expression of Interest Form, which is available for download below. Please see the News article posted on 12th February 2025, as it explains the EOI procedure.

Expression of Interest (EOI) in Community Asset Form v1Download

EOIs may be submitted at any time for other community-owned assets. If you have a proposal for using one of the Charity’s properties or land, you are welcome to get in touch.

Your EOI must address:

  • What the asset will be used for
  • How it will benefit the community
  • How it aligns with NWMCWC values
  • Any relevant experience
  • Environmental or cultural considerations, if applicable

Key details

  • Deadline for EOIs and feedback: 5pm on 4th September 2025
  • How to submit: Send your EOI or feedback to admin@nwmullwoodland.co.uk or post it to North West Mull Community Woodland Company, Penmore Mill, Dervaig, Isle of Mull, PA75 6QS.

Decision making process

All proposals will be assessed using a scoring system to ensure decisions are fair and transparent. Directors or staff with any personal, family, or professional connections to applicants must declare these connections. While having connections will not automatically exclude them from the process, their involvement will be appropriately managed to ensure impartiality. This may include additional scrutiny of the decision or oversight by uninvolved directors.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Alicja Newbrook at alicja@nwmullwoodland.co.uk.

Public Notice

North West Mull Community Woodland Company has received an Expression of Interest (EOI) for lease of two bays within the garage units, located at Ulva Ferry. To ensure everyone in the community has the chance to participate, we are opening a window for additional EOIs and inviting feedback from community members.

About the proposal

The received EOI proposes the following use for the garage space:

  • Proposed use: storage for Ulva Farm produce
  • Community benefit: storage area at Ulva Ferry will allow the farm business to remain viable and continue to contribute positively to the development of Ulva.

We are sharing this information to give the community the opportunity to provide feedback or submit alternative proposals.

Submit your own EOI

If you or your group have an idea for using this asset, you are welcome to submit your own EOI. To do so, you will need to complete an Expression of Interest Form, which is available for download below. Please see the News article posted on 12th February 2025, as it explains the EOI procedure.

Expression of Interest (EOI) in Community Asset Form v1Download

EOIs may be submitted at any time for other community-owned assets. If you have a proposal for using one of the Charity’s properties or land, you are welcome to get in touch.

Your EOI must address:

  • What the asset will be used for
  • How it will benefit the community
  • How it aligns with NWMCWC values
  • Any relevant experience
  • Environmental or cultural considerations, if applicable

Provide feedback

You can also share your views on the received proposal or the use of the asset. Feedback will be considered before any decision is made.

Key details

  • Deadline for EOIs and feedback: 5pm on 14th March 2025
  • How to submit: Send your EOI or feedback to admin@nwmullwoodland.co.uk or post it to North West Mull Community Woodland Company, Penmore Mill, Dervaig, Isle of Mull, PA75 6QS.

Decision making process

All proposals will be assessed using a scoring system to ensure decisions are fair and transparent. Directors or staff with any personal, family, or professional connections to applicants must declare these connections. While having connections will not automatically exclude them from the process, their involvement will be appropriately managed to ensure impartiality. This may include additional scrutiny of the decision or oversight by uninvolved directors.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Alicja Newbrook at alicja@nwmullwoodland.co.uk.

New Process for Expressing Interest in Community-Owned Assets

North West Mull Community Woodland Company (NWMCWC) is introducing a clear and structured process for individuals, businesses, and organisations interested in leasing or using community-owned assets. This approach aims to ensure transparency in decision-making while encouraging community participation in ways that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ulva and North West Mull.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) process provides a straightforward way for interested parties to put forward proposals for leasing buildings, using land, or developing new initiatives. Submissions will be assessed based on the NWMCWC’s Asset Use Principles, ensuring that opportunities are allocated fairly and in a way that benefits the wider community.

As this is a new process, we will review it regularly to ensure it remains clear, accessible, and fit for purpose. In addition to commercial leases, we encourage individuals or groups with ideas for community activities, events, or other initiatives to get in touch by emailing admin@nwmullwoodland.co.uk. We are keen to support projects that align with the long-term sustainability and development of Ulva and North West Mull communities.

The full procedure, EOI Form and Asset Use Principles are now available to download here:

Expression-of-Interest-EOI-in-Community-Asset-Form-v1Download
Asset-Use-Principles-v1-1Download
Procedure-for-Handlings-EOIs-v1-1Download

For more information or to discuss a potential proposal, please contact admin@nwmullwoodland.co.uk.