Castlehill: Connection, Confidence and Community Leadership
Cath McNally, Programme Officer, People in Place
So far on our People and Place tour, we have shared the 2024 Annual Updates from Blacklands in Kilwinning, Cumnock in East Ayrshire, Langlees in Falkirk and Castlehill, Dumbartonshire.
Alongside each update, we are sharing a reflection 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 has been achieved in Castlehill this year.
The Getting Alongside Communities programme in Castlehill has shown throughout 2024 just how powerful community-led change can be when people are supported to shape their own futures. The year’s journey has highlighted how learning, adaptation, and collaboration can drive real impact – helping communities thrive, even in the face of challenge.
Across Castlehill, groups and individuals have been building confidence and capacity, not just for themselves but for their neighbours too. The programme has shown that when people are supported to take the lead, they develop new skills, grow in confidence, and build networks that make a difference well beyond the original project. This shift towards community ownership has been a key learning, with local people moving from participation to leadership – designing and delivering activities that matter to them.
A recurring theme has been the importance of reflection and adaptation. Groups have learned to respond to what works and what doesn’t, adjusting their plans to better meet local needs. This willingness to reflect and change course has ensured that resources are used wisely and that activities stay relevant.
Another significant lesson has been the value of connection. The year has seen projects move from working in isolation to building networks – linking gardening, cooking, wellbeing, and family support in ways that reinforce each other. These connections have created a stronger, more resilient community fabric, were learning and support flow between groups and individuals.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The programme has surfaced the complexities of group dynamics, including the need for clear roles, shared responsibilities, and support during times of conflict or change. It’s become clear that sustainable community action depends on spreading leadership, investing in governance skills, and recognising when to ask for help.
What’s emerged is a community that’s increasingly proactive – identifying what matters, shaping local plans, and engaging with wider partners. There’s a growing confidence to influence decisions, from local place planning to service design, ensuring that community voices are heard and acted upon.
Ultimately, the impact of Getting Alongside Communities in Castlehill is seen in more than just projects delivered. It’s in the increased wellbeing, the new skills gained, the friendships formed, and the sense of empowerment that’s growing across the community. The learning from this year points to the importance of supporting people to lead, making space for reflection, and building connections that last. These are the foundations for community-led change that endures.
Further reading and related content
You can view and download all previous year’s annual updates here:
More from Cath: