In the Highlands of Scotland, too many young people are being held back from sport for one simple reason — they can’t get there. Talented players are missing matches, training sessions are being skipped, and entire teams are struggling, not because of ability, but because of distance and lack of transport. We’re changing that. Rowntree CIC Scotland is raising funds for a dedicated community minibus to ensure the Caithness Ladies Football Team can travel to their games and compete and be part of a team, when not used by the ladies, the bus will be available for other youth sports for transport

Rowntree CIC have secured a 30-year lease on a historic Wick Church

The plan is to transform it into a long-term community sports and development hub that will support generations to come. This is about more than sport — it’s about opportunity, confidence, and giving rural young people the same chances as everyone else.

Rowntree CIC Scotland is targeting youth sports Caithness, Thurso, Wick supporting grassroots sport, youth development, and community wellbeing. Funds raised by Church use, will be put straight back into the community, after running coast are covered

The community minibus will provide reliable transport for grassroots football, rugby, and other youth teams across the region, ensuring that every player — regardless of background, postcode, or income — can take part fully in sport. It will also support schools and clubs working hard to keep young people active, healthy, and engaged. For many, this will be the difference between dropping out and staying involved in something that builds lifelong confidence, friendships, and resilience.

Alongside this, we are incredibly proud to have signed a 30-year lease on the Old Free Church in Wick— a landmark building at the heart of the town with huge potential.

Rowntree CIC will occupy a small office space to base its Highlands operation, and the vast majority will go to community use

This isn’t just a restoration project; it is a long-term commitment to the community. Our vision is to transform this historic space into a modern, inclusive hub for sport, youth development, and community activity. A place where young people can gather, train, learn, and grow — and where local clubs and organisations can come together under one roof to strengthen opportunities across the region.

Wick and the wider Caithness area already have a strong sporting culture, but rural isolation has always been a challenge. By combining transport solutions with a permanent community base, we are building something sustainable — not a short-term fix, but a foundation for the next 30 years and beyond. From grassroots teams to school programmes and community groups, this project will create opportunities that simply don’t exist right now for many young people in the Highlands.

We believe no child should miss out on sport because of where they live. No team should fold because they can’t travel. And no historic community building should sit unused when it could become a lifeline for future generations. With your support, we can change that.