The Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) was created in 1997 with a remit to formulate strategies and provide practical support to local projects aimed at improving the social amenities, and physical and economic infrastructure of the islands.

Since it was formed, MICT has brought in well over £5 million of funding for community projects on the islands and it employs 14 staff working in the Charity Shop, recycling operation, and ranger service as well as on specific projects and in the central administration function.  MICT’s activities are funded partly by grants and partly by earned income.  Their earned income comes from several sources including:

• Self storage
• Training and consultancy through their trading subsidiary “An Roth Trading Ltd”
• Left luggage
• Vending machines (at Mull and Iona Community Hospital)
• Room rental and office services at An Roth
• The Island Castaways shops in Craignure, Bunessan and during the summer months in Aros Hall, Tobermory

MICT is currently undertaking a wide range of projects.  Here is some information about two of them:

• Mull Musical Minds:  After being approached by the family of a local resident with Alzheimers, MICT secured funding to establish a support group called Mull Musical Minds.  Mull Musical Minds provides people who are living with dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or the after effects of a stroke with the opportunity to meet with other people in a similar situation and to enjoy regular social interaction by taking part in a singing group.  The group also welcomes carers and anyone else who simply wants to join in.  This project has been very important locally as it helps address issues of rural isolation and social exclusion which are prevalent in such a sparsely populated area.  MICT secure funding to support travel costs for attendees and volunteers as well as venue hire costs.  Alzheimer Scotland also provided additional funding to secure the help of the leader of the Mull Gaelic Choirwho comes and helps with all the sessions.

• Anaerobic Digestion:  MICT have commissioned a study to determine the feasbility of creating an anaerobic digestion facility on Mull.  The project is jointly funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Zero Waste Scotland and the project is being supported by a steering group of representatives of local businesses.  Anaerobic Digestion produces bio-gas (methane) from bio-waste streams.  The gas can then be used to generate electricity or can be burned directly to produce heat. or compressed and bottled for cooking, heating or transport.  The solid residue or “digestate” can be used as an agricultural fertiliser.  If the project is found to be technically and financially viable, it could help to sustain local businesses by reducing waste disposal costs.

Find out more about MICT via their website.