Sandra Macinnes

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Describe the kind of work the individual has done in the community.

Sandra has been the driving force behind the rescue of the Isle of Eriskay’s former school building, spearheading the campaign to bring the building back into community use through the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige’ (Centre of the Isle of Youth) project. Her successes broke through at a time when that opportunity looked to have been lost and where no one else thought the idea would work. 

Community Need & Historical Context 
The school building was originally built c.1878 and was the only public building on Eriskay for many years other than the church.  It was therefore more than a school, and was the heart of community life, being used for ceilidhs, weddings and other gatherings, for cinema nights and for its primary purpose in educating the young generation.  In the 1980’s a community shop and hall were constructed, developing the public offerings on the island, and the school, with its distinct form and geographical and cultural position in the island, remained a pillar of the community until 2013 when the council closed the school and abandoned the building as public services were centralised.

The building deteriorated rapidly in the years following and several attempts to bring the buildings into community ownership failed to gain traction until Sandra took it on to achieve success.  She successfully navigated through funding applications which secured the asset for the community through the Comann Eachdraidh (Historical Society) and has since secured around c. £2m in public funding as plans for its reuse developed in a very short space of time.  This has saved the building, by “halting the clock” on the deterioration through extensive fabric repairs whilst establishing the overall aims and direction for the wider project.  

Saving the building was the first priority and plans were developed for a wider project for its reuse. The Ionad Eilean na h-Òige project will provide an array of community-focused functions such as a local history museum, a historical archive and library, temporary exhibitions spaces, and a café. Other functions on site will include lettable offices, a gym, and a community shed, garden and greenhouse. 

The ‘wellbeing suites’, which are now under construction, are new-build temporary accommodation units, which also include the island’s first community launderette. A community library has been launched in the meantime also, which allows members of the public to attend a warm space to read and to be together. 

Wider Outreach
Beyond Eriskay, Sandra has been involved in inspiring other communities. She has served as secretary and then chair of Comann Dualchas Innse Gall (Outer Hebrides Heritage Forum), an umbrella organisation which supports collaboration between community heritage organisations. 

Her success in navigating funding and galvanising support has created a blueprint for community-led regeneration rooted in local heritage. The trust she has built with national funders and stakeholders shows the wider relevance and replicability of the Eriskay model. 
She has also expanded the Comann Eachdraidh’s reach through public marketing, online platforms, and national networks. It has become a model for other historical societies and community organisations across Scotland. This was evidenced by their invited presentation for the Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament 2024, presented also at the Scottish Rural Actions AGM the same year. 

 Leadership + Success with Funding / National Orginisations  
Through her persuasive leadership and determined and committed passion for community improvement, she gained the support of the Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh board of directors followed by the community at large to follow a vision that she saw. Sandra has also gained the support and trust of national organisations; funding bodies and the project has seen unprecedented successes in these regards as a result.  The project has the community at its heart but has a wider national impact. 

What impact has this person had on the local community

Sandra’s impact on the community of Eriskay has been profound. Her vision and leadership have not only saved a vital historical building from dereliction but have reignited a sense of pride, purpose, and participation among local residents. In a small island community facing depopulation and the erosion of services, Sandra’s work has created tangible hope, new momentum, and new opportunities — inspiring others to contribute to additional local initiatives.

Community Engagement & Growing Impact
From the outset, community consultation has been central to the project. Sandra has ensured that local voices shape the building’s design and future use through structured engagement and ongoing dialogue. Public feedback has shown a support rate of over 90%, demonstrating strong community backing.

Though construction is ongoing, the transformation of the former school into a multipurpose hub is already reconnecting generations — from young people to elders whose personal histories are now being recorded and preserved. Contributions to the Comann Eachdraidh’s growing collection reflect a renewed sense of ownership and engagement with Eriskay’s unique heritage. Sandra’s leadership has been the driving force behind this cultural revival.

Wider Community Impact
Sandra has also fostered connection and inclusion — whether through volunteering, gathering in new warm spaces, or contributing ideas. These developments are improving wellbeing and reducing isolation in this remote setting.

Her impact reaches beyond the Historical Society. She has successfully applied for funding to support island-wide initiatives, including decarbonisation projects and a comprehensive masterplan that, if realised, could position Eriskay as one of the UK’s first net-zero (or beyond) islands. This work directly addresses quality-of-life issues while creating a replicable model of sustainable rural development.

Under Sandra’s leadership, the Comann Eachdraidh has evolved into a vital hub for community life. The success and trust she has cultivated among funders, partners, and residents stands as a clear reflection of her commitment and influence.

Testimonials
“Sandra MacInnes is a key figure in the Eriskay community... instrumental in the redevelopment of Ionad Eilean na h-Òige... Her leadership and vision have built strong, trusting relationships with the community and funders alike. Her forward-thinking approach has secured significant funding, established academic partnerships, and led an island-wide climate plan — all while remaining rooted in community aspirations.”
— Marie MacMillan, Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh

“Sandra has been the driving force behind the extraordinary transformation of our old school into a heritage centre and community hub, successfully raising nearly £2 million. Her ability to connect with people, her calm and thoughtful leadership, and her inclusive spirit have kept the community aligned and inspired throughout.”
— Andy Laverty, Community Member and Advisor to the Comann Eachdraidh

“Sandra has proven herself a passionate ambassador for community action in the Western Isles.  Her commitment to Eriskay and her local community is evident through the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige project and the benefits that Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh has afforded to the Eriskay community.  Her activism has extended beyond Eriskay through her work with the Outer Hebrides Heritage Forum, stepping up to take the chairperson role and leading the forum through a transitional period. Sandra's  passion for her local community is evident primarily in her own community but also reaches  beyond, through her work with the Heritage Forum
.  
Anne Macleod, Operations Manager, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis,

Why should this person win a Scottish Civic Trust My Place Community Champion Award?

Sandra exemplifies the values and spirit celebrated by the My Place Community Champion Award. She has demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience and leadership in bringing about meaningful change through the built environment. In doing so, she has preserved a building of cultural and emotional significance, revitalised community life, and created a strong foundation for future generations.

The challenges she faced were considerable — from structural decay and complex bureaucracy to limited local resources and initial public doubt. Yet she persisted, leading with clarity, empathy and ambition. Under her leadership, the project has already delivered community benefits, with more to come as the next phase develops. The scope of her achievement — from heritage preservation to improving access to essential services — is truly wide-reaching.

Sandra’s work not only enhances the built environment but also redefines its role in island life: not just as a static structure, but as a living, inclusive space for wellbeing, memory, and shared identity. She has inspired others to engage, volunteer, and believe in what is possible when communities take ownership of their places.

Her legacy will not only be a restored building, but a stronger, more connected community. She has shown that local leadership, when combined with vision and determination, can achieve outcomes that have both local depth and national resonance. Sandra is not only a community champion for Eriskay — she is a champion for community-led change across Scotland.