On Sunday 23rd November 2025, Arran Eco Savvy Community SCIO held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) online via Zoom. Hosting it online made it easy for Trustees, Members and Associate Members to join from across Arran and beyond.

Despite the cold, wet November weather, we had an excellent turnout and a positive, uplifting afternoon of reflection and discussion.

This AGM reviewed our work across 2024–25 and outlined plans for 2025–26. It showcased the strength of the Arran community and the impact of local climate action.

Official Business & Chair’s Report

The meeting opened with the approval of the previous AGM minutes, presented by Chair Helen Ross.

Helen then shared highlights from the past year across all five core strands of Eco Savvy’s work:

• Circular Economy
• Waste Reduction
• Sustainable Food
• Energy Support
• Active Travel and Climate Change Engagement

This included a summary of the progress made through our shop, bike hub, Zero Waste Café, foodshare, workshops, events and school engagement programmes.

Treasurer’s Report & 2024-25 Accounts

Treasurer Hilary Maguire provided a recorded summary of our Annual Accounts.

The full accounts will be available on our website in December.

The Link Between Environment, Economy & Wellbeing

Helen also presented on how protecting the environment directly supports the wellbeing of our community and the local economy – and how Eco Savvy puts this into action on Arran.

This theme continued throughout the meeting.

Inspiring Guest Speaker: The Ecology Building Society Story

A highlight was guest speaker Gus Smith, who shared how the Ecology Building Society was founded in 1981 by a small group seeking fair, ethical mortgages for environmentally responsible homes and projects.

Today, the Society has supported more than 5,000 sustainable projects, from community-led housing to environmental charities.

This powerful story reminded us that small beginnings can create huge impacts.

Updated Organisational Strategy

Trustee Jim Oribine introduced our updated strategy for 2026 and beyond.

More details on this update can be found on our website here.

We will also be holding a Members Strategy Gathering in early 2026.

Climate Literacy Work on Arran

Sofi shared exciting updates on climate literacy engagement with young people on Arran, including school workshops, hands-on environmental learning and tree planting sessions across the island.

Due to an unexpected technical issue, Dan Ellis’ Energy & Climate Change update could not be shown, but it will be presented at our Energy Event on 2 December at the Ormidale Pavilion.

To attend, email: sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk

What the Community Loves About Eco Savvy

During the meeting, attendees were asked to share something they love about Eco Savvy.

Some favourite comments included:

• “It involves the whole community.”
• “Eco Savvy turns theory into practical things on the ground.”
• “Great help with bike repairs and e-bike support.”
• “Collaboration across the island.”
• “Everything! But especially the Zero Waste Café!”

A Huge Thank You

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
Without them, none of this would happen.

Special thank-yous to volunteers supporting:

• the Shop
• Zero Waste Cafe team
• Foodshare
• Active Travel projects
• Energy workshops

We are endlessly grateful.

Trustees and Treasurer

Our Trustees volunteer their time to lead and support the organisation.

Our 2024-25 Trustees, and co-opted Trustees, were confirmed for another year.

Two wonderful long-standing Trustees, Diana and Hilary, stepped down earlier in 2025, and we are deeply thankful for their exceptional service.

Staff Team & Contractors

A heartfelt thank you to our whole staff team and contractors for delivering this year’s services and projects.

Special congratulations to Alasdair, who has now PAT tested over 3,000 electrical items, reducing waste, saving people money, and preventing items going to landfill.

Our Funders & Partners

Thank you to all our partners across Arran and the mainland, and to all the funders whose support enables us to deliver climate action and sustainability services for our community.

Funders will be listed in full in our Annual Accounts.

Thank You, Arran

Finally, thank you to the incredible Arran community for your continued support of Eco Savvy.

Our work is only possible because of the shared commitment across the island to sustainable living, climate action, and community resilience.