The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact Programme announces project to transform community spaces on the Isle of Mull

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Isle of Mull to connect with rural island communities as The Royal Foundation announced two exciting new grants from The Community Impact Programme.

These grants will support two key community spaces on the Isle of Mull by upgrading facilities and providing new opportunities for residents of all ages to come together and take part in activities that support their health and wellbeing. Local interior designer and BBC ‘Designing the Hebrides’ presenter Banjo Beale has volunteered his expertise to collaborate with residents to create spaces that reflect the island’s coastal beauty and vibrant culture. Plans include playful murals, refurbished furniture, and upcycled artefacts, all designed to breathe new life into this essential community hub.

In Tobermory, the much-loved Aros Hall is being re-designed, with work including the refurbishment of the ‘Rainydays’ play area and the introduction of a new soft play zone. These improvements respond to parents’ feedback about the need for more play opportunities for children in the north of Mull. The space will continue to be an essential part of the community, regularly used by local charity Home-Start Lorn to support parents and carers in building strong relationships with their children. During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses met with the team at Home-Start Lorn to learn how the Shaping Us Framework informs their efforts to promote early social and emotional development with local children and families.

Morven Summers, Chair of Aros Hall Committee, said: “This investment will enable the hall to provide welcoming and warm spaces which strengthen our community. We are especially excited about launching the new ‘Rainydays’ soft play area, providing much-needed opportunities for parents with young children to connect.”

Meanwhile, Pennyghael Community Hall, located in the rural Ross of Mull, will benefit from crucial renovations including vital roof repairs to ensure the hall continues to serve future generations.

Banjo Beale, interior designer and Mull resident, said: “It’s an absolute joy to be working with The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales to redesign and preserve these vital community spaces. Together, we’re not just restoring old walls—we’re reimagining what’s possible when community and creativity come together.”

The grants have been bolstered by partnerships with key organisations through The Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood‘s Business Taskforce. The Co-op has provided funding for play equipment for Aros Hall’s ‘Rainydays’ play area, while the LEGO Group has contributed resources to encourage young children on the Isle of Mull to have access to creative play and hands-on learning.

The Foundation is also helping the community explore plans for a sustainable café in the Ross of Mull and fostering opportunities for connection through yoga-based activities funded by local funders the Q Charitable Trust.

These partnerships are part of The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact programme’s ongoing work to mobilise unique coalitions across the UK to help communities foster greater social connection and develop local community spaces.

Follow the work of The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact Programme and more on our LinkedIn Page.