Grantown Initiative (GI)

Our Community Development Company

The Grantown Initiative (GI) was set up in 2013 to benefit the community of Grantown-on-Spey. It also covers the communities of Dulnain Bridge, Cromdale and Advie. The Grantown Initiative undertakes and manages projects for the benefit of all the communities it covers.

As a registered company limited by guarantee, it is required by law to report annually to Companies House. As a registered charity, it also reports to OSCR (Office of Scottish Charity Regulator).

The Grantown Initiative is owned by its members who are defined as “living/working in the postcode area PH26 3”. It is run by a Board of Directors who are elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting.

Why does Grantown need it?

Grantown is a rural Highland community facing a number of challenges and opportunities. An action plan to look at these was discussed at a number of public meetings and the launch of a community development company was identified as the best way to take things forward.

·       The Grantown Initiative can work with, and apply for funding from, funding bodies such as Highland Council, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, the Big Lottery as well as many other sources such as private trusts.

·       A community development company is able to develop and manage a wide range of big and small projects, can own community assets such as land and buildings, can generate profit to put back into the community, and can act as an employer for local people.

The Company’s purposes are:

·       The maintenance, regeneration and improvement of the communities’ physical, economic, social and cultural infrastructure.

·       The advancement of education and training, arts, culture, heritage, public participation in sports, recreation and environmental improvement.

The Company is run by the community for the community. As such it needs as many people in the community as possible to become Members, to ensure that their interests are represented.

Board Meetings

The Board of Directors meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in The Grant Arms Hotel. Meetings are open to Members of the company, who are welcome to attend and observe.

Become a member of the Grantown Initiative

The Grantown Initiative is run by the community for the community and undertakes projects for the benefit of Grantown residents and visitors.  Membership ensures you are kept up to date and have the opportunity to be involved and have your say.

To become a Member in one of the categories listed below, go to our website and the Grantown Initiative will send you a secure payment link to pay the £1 membership fee.

Categories of Membership

Ordinary Membership is for any individual aged 18 years or over who either:
(a) ordinarily resident in the community (the PH26 3 area) and is entitled to vote at a local government election in a polling district that includes the Community or part of it and who supports the objects and activities of the company; or
(b) is in charge of or responsible for the day-to-day running of a business located in the Community and supports the objects and activities of the company.

Membership shall cease if the member ceases to be eligible under the above definitions.

Associate Membership is open to individuals not ordinarily resident or in charge of or responsible for the day-to-day running of a business located in the Community and those organisations wherever located that support the objects of the Company. Associate Members are neither eligible to stand for election to the Board nor to vote at any general meeting.

Junior Membership is open to individuals aged between 12 and 17 who support the objects of the Company. Junior Members are neither eligible to stand for election to the Board nor to vote at any general meeting.

NB These definitions are drawn from the Memorandum and Articles of the company and have been simplified. The full definitions can be found in the Memorandum and Articles.

Board of Directors

Chair – Karen Derrick
Treasurer – Ingrid Artus
Declan Gallacher
Stuart Burgess
Nicola Burgess
Beverley Cartwright
Katy Turton
Mike Barras