For You Training (FYT) was set up in 2017 and is now a well-established accredited training provider, based in Tain, in the north-east of Scotland. FYT was created in response to the steep decline in training and job opportunities in the area. Tain and the surrounding areas have faced significant challenges, including a halving of the local high school roll in the last decade and persistent youth outmigration due to limited local prospects. Through this training, FYT aims to create opportunities for young people, raise the profile and support the future of food & drink, increase employability rates and thereby reduce rural depopulation.
There has been an unwavering commitment from our team and investors in securing the much needed investment to turn this pioneering grass-roots project from concept into reality. The Catalyst Fund and the on-going mentorship provided by Firstport (as well as the other funding) has enabled us to plan for substantial future growth and increase our delivery of meaningful impact for our community. The Gro For You, Community Innovation Campus will offer a unique, interactive learning experience, focusing on cutting-edge net zero technologies while addressing workforce skill gaps in the food and drink, hospitality, and green sectors. Additionally, our visitor centre will serve as a vital hub for tourism in Tain and along the North Coast 500, responsibly stimulating the local economy and enhancing the Tain and District area.
Challenge
FYT secured planning permission in 2023 to develop a first-of-its-kind ‘innovation campus’, located at the edge of Tain, on the North Coast 500 route, and on land neighbouring the Glenmorangie distillery.
The campus will provide a range of learning and training opportunities in areas such as food production, hospitality and green business skills, as well as being a visitor centre with a café, farm shop, play area and gardens.
The new site aims to significantly scale FYT's impact while deepening local engagement. The project is transformational and pioneering. The aim is to empower the local community with knowledge, skills, and tools to create positive social, economic, and environmental impacts.
The campus will offer interactive learning experiences in net zero technologies and address workforce skill gaps in the food, drink, hospitality, business management and green sectors. The campus will be known as the ‘Gro For You’ campus.
FYT required funding of around £1.7m to bring phase one of the project to life.
Solution
A project of this nature required a blend of capital grants and loans. Four funders worked intensively together to bring the funding package together:
• Firstport - Catalyst - loan of £575,000
• Social Investment Scotland - loan of £250,000
• Regeneration Capital Grant via Highland Council - grant of £450,000 for the capital works
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise - grant of £450,000 to match the RCGF grant
Revenue
The organisation generates revenue from:
• Delivery of training/apprenticeship courses (funded by Skills Development Scotland)
• Delivery of employability training (funded by Highland Council)
• Cafe income
Once the new campus is operational, they will also generate income from the onsite cafe, the hosting of corporate events, lettings, motorhome pitch fees and veg box sales amongst other things.
Impact
Without this investment, FYT would not have been able to realise their plans for the new campus. It will allow them to continue to deliver their incredible social impact, but at scale, it aims to tackle rural depopulation and boost local employment through vocational training, sustainable food production, and tourism development.
This bold, innovative, community-rooted project is exactly what the Catalyst Fund was designed to support. FYT's commitment to youth development, sustainability, and local regeneration aligns with Catalyst’s vision for resilient rural communities. We’ve been with FYT on every step of the journey towards this point, and so it is a great example of the deep and long-term relationships Firstport strives to build with Scottish social entrepreneurs and social enterprises. Our support is about more than just money – our dedicated Growth Adviser will be working closely with the FYT team to help and support them deliver on their plans for growth.