Buckhaven: Relationships, trust and the power to adapt
Cath McNally, Programme Officer, People in Place
Earlier this week we shared the 2024 Place Annual Update from Buckhaven. So far, we have also shared the latest news from Blacklands in Kilwinning, Cumnock in East Ayrshire, Langlees in Falkirk, Carbrain in Cumbernauld and Dunterlie in East Renfrewshire as part of our annual catch up with the eight communities we work alongside through People in Place.
Accompanying each update, we hear from Corra’s Cath McNally – Programme Officer on the People and Place team. Working closely with these communities, Cath will be sharing key insights, learning and themes – here’s some thoughts on what the community has achieved in Buckhaven this year.
Reflecting on the Getting Alongside Communities work in Buckhaven this year, what stands out most is the depth of commitment from local people and the difference that comes from working at the community’s pace. The story here isn’t just about projects or services, but about relationships, trust, and a willingness to adapt together.
A key learning from Buckhaven has been the importance of flexibility. Community life rarely fits into neat plans, and some of the most meaningful progress has come from being willing to pause, listen, and change direction. The willingness of volunteers and partners to try new approaches, respond to feedback, and support each other has been central to the sense of shared ownership that’s grown over the year.
The Cosy Café and Larder has shown how a welcoming space can become much more than a place to get food. It’s a hub for connection, conversation, and mutual support. As more people have become involved, there’s been a noticeable growth in confidence and community ownership. Volunteers have stepped into new roles, and decisions are increasingly made together, reflecting the priorities and strengths of local people.
The Community Cinema is another example of the impact of trusting local people to lead. The group has taken real ownership, shaping events and creating moments of joy and connection. The value goes far beyond the screenings themselves – it’s about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and showing what’s possible when people have the space to shape their own activities.
Throughout the year, there’s been a growing recognition of the value of working together. Connections between different groups have strengthened, helping to create a more joined-up approach to local challenges. Partnerships with organisations across Buckhaven have deepened, with everyone learning from each other and sharing resources.
Sustainability has been another important theme. It’s clear that lasting change isn’t just about funding or numbers, but about building up local leadership and making sure what’s happening is manageable for everyone involved. Sometimes this has meant making tough choices, but it’s also led to a more honest and supportive environment.
The work in Buckhaven has highlighted the power of recognising and building on community assets. The café and cinema are more than just services, they’re places where people feel valued and connected, and where everyone can contribute in their own way. This sense of belonging is a powerful driver for positive change.
Looking ahead, the most important thing is to keep listening and learning. Buckhaven’s journey this year is a reminder that real impact comes from relationships, trust, and the courage to adapt. The story is still unfolding, but there’s a strong foundation and plenty of hope for what comes next.
Further reading and related content
You can view and download all previous year’s annual updates here:
More from Cath:
- Blacklands: Believing people know best for their community
- Langlees: Strength in Everyday Connections and Community Care
- Carbrain: Connection, creativity and confidence
- Castlehill: Connection, Confidence and Community Leadership
- Cumnock: Trusting People to Lead Change and Build Belonging
- Dunterlie: Finding ways to move forward together