Islay and Jura Community Enterprise Trust (Charity No. SCO 24858)
The principal objectives of the Islay and Jura Community Enterprise Trust are to:

• advance education among the residents of Islay and Jura through the provision of training in the skills of life-saving and resuscitation
• to provide relief for residents ... who suffer from mental and/or physical disability ... through the provision of therapy within a swimming pool environment
• to bring about a widespread and thorough knowledge among residents ... of the principles which underlie the art of swimming and to promote and encourage the teaching of swimming and life-saving

The Trust, set up in 1997, does all of these things by supporting the Islay and Jura swimming pool housed in the Mactaggart Leisure Centre and the extensive range of activities it provides for all ages and all abilities.

Why does the Islay and Jura Pool need support?
Swimming pools don't make money. Before a spade went into the ground on the site of the future pool the Islay and Jura Swimming Pool Committee had negotiated an annual subsidy from Argyll and Bute Council. Six years on it was proving woefully inadequate; to balance the books the Board of Islay and Jura Community Enterprises was having to draw on capital reserves intended for major emergencies. By the year 2000 the Trust fund had grown to £25,000, a great effort but still insufficient to provide the income required to bridge annual funding gaps. The Board calculated that their reserves would last for just another five years.

The Millenium Appeal
Desperate times inspire desperate actions. Islay and Jura Community Enterprises Board launched its Millennium Appeal, with a £300,000 target, a formidable sum, but the minimum needed if the Trust fund was to generate enough every year to balance the swimming pool books. The Appeal was launched at a very successful Auction and Ball in January 2000, which raised nearly £3,000. Local businesses contributed generously, local people continue to make donations through Gift Aid, friends of Islay from distant parts have sent donations, as have other trusts which support our objectives. It took time and perseverance but by 2005 the Board and trustees had reached the target.

The support the Trust has given.
Since 2005 the Trust has contributed £63,709 towards the swimming pool's annual deficit, and it is committed to another £15,000 of support in 2009-10. It has provided a loan, now redeemed, to assist with cashflow during the major plant renewal project, and guarantees of loans to support funding applications. In addition the Trust is committed to provide the reserves which the Office of the Charities Regulator (OSCR) requires community businesses to have, sufficient to cover three months trading should the business fall into financial difficulties.

Why does the Trust still need your donation?
The value of the pool in meeting all the objectives of the Trust has been well proven. On Islay and Jura we could no longer contemplate a life where our children couldn't learn to swim, hadn't the chance to increase their skills through lessons, where there was no warm water therapy for disabled people and no life-saving instruction for those who go out in boats for either recreation or to earn their living. But it all comes at a price. Since 2000 costs have risen steadily and in 2008 sharply. What seemed like a sufficient capital balance nine years ago is now barely adequate to provide the support needed. We believe the Trust assets are well managed, but like all charities their value has declined as share prices have fallen. If you would like to give to this cause, whether by a donation, or the Gift Aid route, the contact details are given below. Every donation, whether large or small, is equally important and appreciated. The Trust has also had a kind offer of free legal help for anyone who would like to leave a legacy to it.

Islay and Jura Community Enterprise Trust Trustees
The trustees are Sir John Mactaggart, Mrs Rina Graham, Mrs Jean Gunn, Mr Donald Macintyre, Mrs Catriona Bell. For more information or to make a donation, please contact:

We thank you for your support.