If Arran were fully in charge of shaping its own future, what would success look like?
On 21 March, we’re inviting islanders to come together and begin creating a Thriving Arran Portrait — a shared picture of what a good future for Arran looks like, and how we would know if we’re achieving it.
One of the project leads, John Crawford, writes:
Over the past four years, I’ve worked with the people of Glasgow, the University of Glasgow, and Glasgow City Council to develop the Thriving Glasgow Portrait, using the Doughnut Economic Framework. That work has helped Glasgow define, in practical terms, what thriving means for its people — socially, economically and environmentally — and it now guides how the Council works with communities and businesses.
Now we’d like to explore what this could look like for Arran — potentially one of the world’s first Island Portraits.
This isn’t about importing ideas from elsewhere. It’s about drawing out what matters most here, on Arran. It will complement the work already underway through the Community Council, the Arran Island Plan, local businesses and community groups by helping clarify what success actually looks like for the people who live here.
Why join in?
– Because you care about Arran’s future.
– Because you have views on what thriving really means — and you’re willing to think constructively about it.
– Because you’re open to listening, speaking honestly, and working alongside others from across the island.
– And, frankly, because it should be a good day. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
This workshop is a starting point. If there’s appetite to continue, the work would move forward under the Community Council and alongside the Arran Island Plan, with wider opportunities for islanders to contribute and refine the draft portrait.
Places are limited to 40 to ensure we can work effectively together. We’ll aim for a broad mix of voices from across the island. Once a draft portrait is developed, there will be further opportunities for wider engagement.
If you’d like to take part, please apply here:
[https://tinyurl.com/thrivingarran](https://tinyurl.com/thrivingarran)
Let’s take the time to define what thriving on Arran means — in our own words.
Featured images credit: Alistair Braxton on pexels.com