Who we are
The Cumbrae Community Development Company (CCDC) is a development trust, based on the Island of 
Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde, 10 minutes by ferry from Largs. CCDC was established in 2002, after a sustained period of community-led action resulted in the salvation and sympathetic restoration of a magnificent local building - Garrison House - which is centrally located in the island's only town of Millport.
The island was a very popular tourist destination during the 50s and 60s serving the people of Glasgow. Tourism and farming remain the main industries on the island today. There has, however, been a steady downturn in the island's popularity and prosperity, a state of affairs being enthusiastically addressed by CCDC. Cumbrae is also the base for Sport Scotland's National Water Sports Centre and for Strathclyde University's Marine Research Centre.
CCDC is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. There are currently seven members of staff and seven volunteer directors involved in the company, and the number of volunteers attached to various sub-groups of the board is growing steadily.
What we do
Garrison House has significant civic, historical and architectural importance. But over the years, the building fell into disrepair, and was very badly damaged by fire in 2001. The local community wanted to redevelop the building, so CCDC was initially established to refurbish Garrison House for the benefit of the whole community and to this end they raised over £5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, North Ayrshire Council, Historic Scotland, Argyll and Islands Enterprises and the European Regional Development Fund for refurbishment.
The extensive renovations were completed in 2008 and involved major reconstruction, including the restoration of the 18th century external stonework and the sunken garden designed by the arts and crafts architect, Robert Weir Schultz. The interior of the building has been opened up to create a modern, light and airy space. Garrison House is now a fully functional building, housing the Museum of the Cumbraes, the library, council offices, a GP surgery and dispensary, meeting space for hire and the Garrison Café. The aim is for CCDC and its associated companies to become self financing after five years.
CCDC, following its success with Garrison House, has successfully expanded its remit and is now working with the community to identify ways forward for the sustainable development of the island through projects and initiatives that will boost the local economy and improve the quality of life of residents. In 2009, with funding from LEADER (part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas) and in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and North Ayrshire Council's Economic Development Services commissioned the writing of The Isle of Cumbrae Development Plan.
What next?
The Isle of Cumbrae Development Plan is very close to final approval and publication. In order to implement the various projects emerging from the plan, CCDC has very recently employed a Local Development Officer (LDO) for the island whose primary focus will be the sustainable 
development of the island as a whole. Many projects are community led and the LDO will be responsible for working closely with local groups to give business support and steer them through the administrative burden of funding application. The LDO will them project manage as appropriate, leaving the Development Manager free to concentrate on the strategic direction of CCDC.
CCDC has secured just under £400,000 in Town Centre Regeneration Fund money from the Scottish Government, the majority of which is being used to create a business centre in the Garrison grounds with meeting and hot-desking space, fully serviced with computer and telephone access. This facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of April 2010 and will allow for greater liaison between local businesses and other agencies such as Business Gateway. The Centre will be housed in the former lodge in the Garrison grounds, ensuring the Garrison's standing as an important hub within the community.
More recently, CCDC has also taken on the letting and management of nine self-catering accommodation units. Good accommodation, converting day-trippers to overnight tourists is of tremendous importance when developing attractions and events such as the Cumbrae Festival of the Sea 2010 - an exciting partnership with the Govan based Galgael.
Watch this space!
Contact details
Tfind out more about Cumbrae Community Development Company please contact:
Jane Cook, Development Manager or
Julia Haston, Local Development Officer for Cumbrae
By telephone: 01475 531381