Lochaber Pride Celebrates a Year of Growth at 2026 AGM

Lochaber Pride held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 3 March 2026, bringing together members both in person at Lochaber Hope and online via Microsoft Teams. Chairperson Iain MacLean‑Millar opened the meeting by reflecting on a landmark year for the charity, marked by major achievements and strengthened community ties.  

A Year of Milestones  

In his report, Iain highlighted several standout successes, including Lochaber’s first‑ever Pride Parade, which drew more than 200 attendees and received strong media attention. The charity also launched a new website, obtained Microsoft 365 for charities, expanded its schools outreach programme, and delivered a series of well‑received community events such as Drag Bingo and 10‑pin bowling. Participation in the Rotary Club Christmas Fair and continued fundraising through the Rainbow Lottery further boosted visibility and support.  

Looking ahead, Lochaber Pride plans to deliver a parade through Fort William and a “Festival in a Day” at the Nevis Centre on 28th June 2026, strengthen governance, expand outreach, and increase member engagement.  

Strong Financial Position 

Treasurer Krista MacCuish‑Ross reported that Lochaber Pride enjoyed a successful financial year from March 2025 to February 2026. The charity secured healthy levels of donations, grant funding, and income from fundraising and sponsorships. Thanks to careful financial management, the organisation ended the year with a comfortable surplus and a strong balance carried forward, placing it in an excellent position to deliver an enhanced and high‑quality Pride Festival in June 2026. 

Expenditure covered charitable activities linked to last year’s Pride as well as early commitments to performers for the upcoming festival. Krista confirmed that all restricted funds were used appropriately and that unrestricted funds were managed responsibly throughout the year. 

New Branding and Growing Membership  

Secretary Estelle McNeill unveiled the new Lochaber Pride logo and visual identity, developed collaboratively and approved by members. The refreshed design—featuring Ben Nevis and the colours of the Progress Pride flag—symbolises community strength, diversity, and a shared future. The branding is already being rolled out across the website and social media.  

Membership and digital engagement continue to grow, with 445 Facebook followers, 118 on Instagram, 6 on Threads, 47 members in the WhatsApp community group, and 42 registered members on the website. A TikTok launch is planned for later this month. The committee emphasised the importance of encouraging followers to register as official members on the website, to support funding applications and strengthen community participation.  

Policy Updates and Governance Changes  

Two new operational policies were formally adopted:  

• Charity Tin Policy – providing clear guidance on the placement, monitoring, and counting of donation tins.  

• Expenses Policy & Form – ensuring a consistent and transparent process for volunteers and committee members claiming authorised expenses. 

  
  

Governance updates included welcoming Shirley McNeill as a Trustee and Graham MacIntyre as a Production Committee Member, while noting the retirements of Gemma, Iona, and Rebecca from their respective roles.  

The committee expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters including The National Lottery, Corra Foundation, Highland Council, Age Scotland, MCR Pathways, LGBT Youth Scotland, and the many volunteers who contribute to Lochaber Pride’s success. 

Other Business and Next Steps  

Additional actions discussed included hosting drop‑in coffee mornings to attract new members, creating a merchandise stock sheet, and purchasing new roll‑up banners featuring donation and survey QR codes.  

The next committee meeting will take place on Monday 7 April 2026.  

The meeting closed with thanks from the Chair to all attendees for their continued support and commitment to building an inclusive, vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Lochaber.