About this Event
CAOLAS (the Community Association of Lochs and Sounds) is a Scottish coastal charity rooted in the communities of Ardnamurchan, Sunart, Morvern, Moidart, and Mull. We work to protect and restore our local marine environment through research, education, and hands-on conservation. By empowering local people to lead the stewardship of our seas, we connect people with place and help shape a thriving future for our coastlines.
Mission & Vision: Our mission is to empower coastal communities to lead conservation of the marine environment through research, stewardship, and community engagement.
We envision a vibrant, healthy marine ecosystem in the Sound of Mull and Loch Sunart area, protected and celebrated by the people who live beside it.
How We Work: Our work weaves together:
- Restoration: Oyster reef building, shoreline care, and habitat enhancement
- Research: Baseline biodiversity surveys, citizen science, and monitoring
- Education: School visits, youth programmes, community talks, and our flagship event, Hope Week
- Advocacy: Ensuring local voices are heard in marine governance, MPA management, and national policy debates
Our Story: Formed in 2015 by local residents passionate about marine protection, CAOLAS became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in 2017. Since then, we have contributed to a growing movement of community-led marine conservation across Scotland. Our region was designated the UK’s first Mission Blue Hope Spot, recognising the global significance of this biodiverse coastline and the power of grassroots stewardship.
Our Area: We work throughout the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA), supporting the five coastal communities that line its shores.
The talk will be given by:
Jo MacKichan
I started working as a trustee with CAOLAS over 2 years ago, when I came to live in Lochaline. I do not come from a marine ecology background, my skill set is in HR and organisational skills. But I am a fast learner and have huge enthusiasm and belief for what we do in CAOLAS.
Annabel Lawrence
As a resident of Morvern with an interest in the marine environment I have been a member of CAOLAS since 2015. My background is underwater archaeology, the shipwrecks around the Morvern coast pan over 400 years of maritime heritage and the waters around the coast used to be a big attraction for recreational divers. I ran the Lochaline Dive Centre from 2004- 2016 and now work as a Lecturer in the School of Adventure Studies at NWH UHI with a focus on marine tourism and water-based adventures and activities.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Kelvin Hall, 1445 Argyle Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
