Our Latest Team Member
We are delighted to announce Valerie Hodgkinson as our new Operations Manager at Applecross Community Company.
As a local Applecross resident, Valerie is already a familiar face to many of us. She brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge and passion to the role, having previously served as an ACC board member and successfully managed the company’s Climate Challenge Fund energy project. Valerie brings a valuable combination of management experience layered with community knowledge making her the perfect fit to lead our operations forward.
“This is a pivotal time for ACC as we transition from the successes of our previous five-year strategic plan to a new plan, and continue to manage our strong portfolio of community projects and assets. We are looking forward to working with Valerie and our wider team to deliver benefits now and for the future on the Applecross Peninsula.”
— Dr. Rachel Maxwell, Applecross Community Company director“ACC has made such a positive difference to the Applecross community, and I am delighted to be joining the team as we reflect on achievements made and consider future possibilities.”
— Valerie Hodgkinson
Please join us in giving Valerie a warm welcome as she steps into this new role.
Come and work with us – ACC is looking for a new Operations Manager
Applecross Community Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to help lead and strengthen our organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a thriving community enterprise delivering projects that support people, place and local prosperity.
This is a 0.6FTE role and flexible and hybrid working options will be considered. The full job description and person specification is available for download here. More information about the position and process for applying is detailed here, and below. Note the change of interview date – interviews will now be held in person or online on Friday 2nd October 2026.
Do you want to play a key role in supporting one of Scotland’s most dynamic community organisations?
Our Operations Manager will work closely with the Board, staff and community members to ensure the organisation operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably. You will have responsibility for governance, risk management, people management, operational systems, membership development, communications and organisational performance.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in operations, organisational management or community development.
- Can support strong governance and effective decision-making.
- Is confident managing people, systems and projects.
- Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Shares our commitment to community-led development and sustainable rural communities.
In return, we offer:
- A varied and rewarding role with significant impact.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- The chance to work with an ambitious and committed team in one of Scotland’s most distinctive and inspiring communities.
Note: this role is funded until 31st July 2027 but could be extended subject to securing additional funding during the coming year.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Rachel Maxwell, Director.
Email: Rachel.Maxwell@applecrosscommunitycompany.org
Job Circumstances
The Operations Manager role is a flexible role, with office space available in the ACC office in Applecross. The post-holder will ideally live on the Applecross peninsula or surrounding area. The role may involve occasional evening and weekend work.
The post-holder will also be expected to travel and represent ACC and associated project activities at meetings and events outwith Applecross.
About Applecross Community Company
Applecross Community Company (ACC) is both a registered Scottish charity (OSCR SC042865) and a registered company (Companies House SC342825). The overall aim of the Company is to promote sustainable development on the Applecross peninsula through the management of community owned land and assets.
- Our vision is for the small (but amazing) community of Applecross to be sustainable, resilient and prosperous.
- We do this (our mission) through working with the Applecross community to enable a viable population to live and work in a vibrant community.
- Our values: inclusive, accountable and approachable
Join us in helping to shape a sustainable future for Applecross and its community.
ACC is an inclusive employer that is committed to creating a culture of diversity and an inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We are a Fair Work employer and welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.
Applications by CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides A4, 12pt, Arial font) explaining how you fit the requirements of the role(s) to Rachel.Maxwell@applecrosscommunitycompany.org by noon on 16th September 2026.
Interviews for this role will be held in person or online on Friday 2nd October 2026.
Applecross Community Company welcomes HRH The Princess Royal to visit flagship community development projects
Applecross Community Company was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to visit its flagship community development projects.
The Princess Royal visited ACC’s projects as part of a wider visit to the Applecross peninsula on Tuesday 12th May 2026. The Chair of the community-led development trust Dr. Gordon Cameron welcomed Her Royal Highness to the central “Hydro Field” site where ACC is delivering the Sustainable Living in Applecross Project. This project aims to create 14 affordable homes and six business units, designed by the community and for the community, in partnership with Dualchas Architects. This legacy project has been funded so far by the Scottish Land Fund, Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Fund, SSE’s Sustainable Development Fund, Crown Estate Scotland’s Community Capacity Grant, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government.
The Princess Royal met Director Dr. Rachel Maxwell and Operations Manager Megan MacInnes, as well as the owners of two local businesses interested in the business units being developed on the site – Elodie Matthews of Pomme Cocoa Chocolates and David Davidson from Applecross Roastery Coffee.
Dr. Cameron also introduced Her Royal Highness to Ewen Gillies, Chair of the community-owned hydro project AppleJuice, as well as Annie Rudd, ACC’s Woodland Development Officer, who manages the company’s 14.5ha community woodland Coille a’ Thorra Ghairbh.
“It was an honour to introduce The Princess Royal to the projects of the Applecross Community Company, now in its 18th year”, said Dr. Cameron. “Her Royal Highness has visited the peninsula before and it is fantastic to be able to demonstrate the positive way in which community-owned projects are addressing key local challenges such as the need for affordable homes and economic regeneration.”
Applecross Community Company Annual General Meeting 2026
6.30pm on Tuesday 5th April 2026 at the Applecross Community Hall and online
ACC invites all its members and residents of Applecross to its 17th Annual General Meeting, held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 5th May. Teas and coffees and some displays of project progress over the past year will be available from 6pm and the meeting shall start at 6.30pm. Please join us for an update on our activities and feed into our plans for the next year.
The papers for the Annual General Meeting are as follows:
- The booklet for the meeting, with the agenda and director’s nomination form, is here
- The draft Minutes from the 2025 AGM (held on 29th April 2025) are here
- The Annual Audited Accounts for 2024/5 for the Applecross Community Company are here
- The Unaudited Financial Statement for 2024/25 for Applecross Community Trading Limited is here
- The Director Nomination form (word version) is here
If you would like to receive a hard copy of these documents or an online link for the meeting, please do get in touch at LDO@applecrosscommunitycompany.org and we can provide these.
Come and work us with – ACC is looking for a Woodland Development Officer
ACC is seeking a 0.85 FTE Woodland Development Officer to manage the Coille Coimhearsnachd na Comraich | Applecross Community Woodland Project. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17th September at 17:00.
The job description and person specification for this role is available for download here.
The Coille Coimhearsnachd na Comraich | Applecross Community Woodland Project project was established in 2019 to collectively own and manage the 14.5-hectare site of Coille a’ Thorra Ghairbh (Torgarve Woods), enabling the community to restore the former plantation into a thriving native woodland for the benefit of local residents and visitors. The project is half-way through a four-year development period, ‘Restoring the Living Heritage of Coille a’ Thorra Ghairbh’, which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional grant aid from Scottish Forestry and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
The main objectives of the project are to:
- Restore native woodland through natural regeneration and by enrichment planting of native broadleaf and Scots pine trees, many grown from local provenance seed in our community nursery.
- Promote our cultural and natural heritage by managing the archaeological features of the site, designing Gaelic-led interpretation, and sharing a programme of events and digital resources.
- Increase biodiversity through habitat creation and enhancement including wetland, wildflower meadow, and native woodland to benefit and attract native flora, fauna, and fungi.
- Benefit people with increased recreational amenities, improved access, and a programme of events that promote physical, social, and mental wellbeing including green skills and specialist crafts training, outdoor learning and play, and volunteer sessions.
The role
As a member of the small staff team at the Applecross Community Company you will be responsible for delivering the remaining two years of the ‘Restoring the Living Heritage of Coille a’ Thorra Ghairbh’ project. This is a diverse role which combines desk-based project management with on-the-ground development of the woodland and infrastructure, and in-person community engagement and volunteer activities. This role involves working with the Applecross community, the Community Woodland Steering Group, ACC Board of Directors and staff, Applecross Primary School and Nursery, the Applecross Historical Society and wider stakeholders and funders. Together you will deliver a ground-breaking community-led project that restores natural and Gaelic cultural heritage on the peninsula.
About you
To be considered for this role, you will need to:
- Be organised, self-motivated and driven
- Be able to demonstrate competency in managing projects (environmental, forestry or community development), including activities, risk assessments, timeframes and finances
- Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate, connect and collaborate with, and motivate others
- Have experience of working in a rural community setting, including working with volunteers and organising and delivering community events
- Be passionate about community-led approaches to restoring natural heritage and promoting Gaelic cultural heritage
- Be computer literate and familiar with managing social media accounts
Applecross Community Company is an inclusive employer that is committed to creating a culture of diversity and an inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We are a Fair Work employer and welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.
Further information about the Coille Coimhearsnachd na Comraich | Applecross Community Woodland Project and wider activities are available here.
To apply please send a CV and covering letter with the subject title “Woodland Development Officer” to Megan MacInnes at LDO@applecrosscommunitycompany.org on or before 17th September 2025, by 17:00. Within the cover letter, please outline how you meet the criteria for the role, the experience you would bring, and why we should consider you for the position.
Interviews for this role will be held during the week starting 22nd September.
If you want to know more about the role or have any questions, please contact Megan at the above email address.
Invitation to Tender: Design Team Sought for Church-to-Community Hub Conversion
We are pleased to announce the publication of an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for a suitably qualified and experienced Design Team to lead the transformation of a former church into a vibrant, multi-purpose community hub.
This exciting project aims to breathe new life into the historic building by creating a flexible, accessible, and welcoming space that serves the diverse needs of the local community. The selected design team will be responsible for preparing full design and construction documentation, guiding the project from concept through to preparation for construction.
We are inviting RIAS- and/or RIBA-chartered architectural practices with a proven track record in heritage-sensitive design, adaptive reuse, and community-led projects to express their interest. The successful team will demonstrate a strong commitment to collaborative working, social impact, and design excellence.
Key Details:
- Project: Conversion of a former church into a community hub
- Scope: Design development, planning, technical documentation
- Eligibility: RIAS and/or RIBA Chartered Practices
- Deadline for submissions: Wednesday 13th August 2025
Interested practices can download the full ITT document and Commercial Template here, which include the project brief, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria.
We look forward to collaborating with a passionate and innovative design team to help shape this landmark community initiative.
Applecross Community Company Annual General Meeting 2025
6pm on Tuesday 29th April 2025 at the Applecross Community Hall and online
ACC invites all its members and residents of Applecross to its 16th Annual General Meeting, held at 6pm on Tuesday 29th April. Please join us for an update on our activities and feed into our plans for the next year.
The papers for the Annual General Meeting are as follows:
- The booklet for the meeting, with the agenda and director’s nomination form, is here
- The draft Minutes from the 2024 AGM (held on 23rd April 2024) are here
- The Annual Audited Accounts for 2023/4 for the Applecross Community Company are here
- The Annual Audited Accounts for 2023/4 for Applecross Community Trading Limited are here
- The Director Nomination form (word version) is here
If you would like to receive a hard copy of these documents, please do get in touch at LDO@applecrosscommunitycompany.org and we can provide these.
We look forward to seeing you in person or online.
Job Opportunity – Community Transport Project Administrator
We are looking for someone to take over this part-time role to help manage and promote the Community Transport Project.
The role starts is expected to start in mid-March 2025 and further details are at the link below.
The closing date for applications for this role before Friday 21st February 2025 to be sent to: ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org. Please provide us with a letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to fulfil the role, further details are provided in the job description below.
Invitation to Quote – Compost Toilet Construction
We are inviting quotes for the construction of a Compost Toilet as part of Coille Coimhearsnachd na Comraich | Applecross Community Woodland which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The invitation to quote is available here: Compost Toilet_Invitation to Quote
Applications should be made by Friday 1st November with construction to be completed by Saturday 25th January 2025.
Employment Opportunity – Development Assistant
The Applecross Community Company is recruiting for a Development Assistant to help deliver its long-term aims and Action Plan (2020-25). More details of the role are available at the link below.
ACC is seeking applications for this role before 5pm on Friday 18th October 2024, to be sent to: ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org
Please provide us with a letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to fulfil the role, further details are provided in the job description below. We are willing to consider job-shares so if only part of this role interests you, please also get in touch.
Seeking tenders for a feasibility study into developing business units within ACC’s Sustainable Living in Applecross project
Applecross Community Company has published an Invitation to Tender for a feasibility study into the development of business units within the Sustainable Living in Applecross project – delivering homes and workplaces within our community. This study is funded by a Crown Estate Scotland Community Capacity Grant.
The invitation to tender is available here and the deadline for tenders is Monday 30th September 2024.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Megan at ldo@applecrosscommunitycompany.org
12th July 2024
Newsletter | Cuairt-litir – July | An t-Iuchair 2024
Read our July newsletter here.
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We're delighted to publish the #Masterplan for #communityowned #affordablehomes & business units in #Applecross
Thanks to @AnnNisbetStudio for your creativity & enthusiasm & thanks to all community members who gave ideas & suggestions
https://www.applecrosscommunitycompany.org/company-projects/affordable-housing/
