Our Community Centre lies within the stunning and historical YMCA building on Grantown's High Street. ​Read on to find out more about who we are, our affiliation to YMCA Scotland and what our purpose as a Community Centre is.

YMCA Affiliation

Grantown Community Centre is affilated with YMCA Scotland - but what does this mean? 

We are an autonomous Community Centre, responding to the needs of our local community and putting their needs at the heart of our decision making and governence. We are aligned with the values of YMCA Scotland, and the World YMCA Vision 2030. The YMCA is also a big part of the building's history, and you can read more about this further down the page.

YMCA is an inclusive Christian youth organisation, open to people of all faiths and none. YMCA Scotland's vision is to empower young people and communitites to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive Scotland, where every person can thrive in body, mind and spirit. 

• Community Wellbeing
• Meaningful Work
• Sustainable Planet
  
• Just World
  

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We believe that all young people deserve the right to learn, engage in flexible, dignified and meaningful work, and build sustainable livelihoods.

We believe that every person should have the means to grow and thrive in body, mind and spirit while taking care of their individual and collective wellbeing.

We believe in the power of young people and communities to promote and advance justice, peace, equity and human rights for all.

We believe that we should all commit and take action for the protection and regeneration of our Planet, preparing for a Just Transition to a world where humans live in full harmony.

Who We Are

Our work is mostly undertaken by our voluntary Board Members and small group of Staff. We also have many incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to helping our community centre flourish - to them we are eternally grateful!

Youth Team:
Rachel Harold - Youth Development Officer
​Debbie Mackie - Youth Worker
Stewart Mackie - Youth Worker

Centre Co-ordinator:
Jess Greaves

Building Caretakers:
Karen O'Connor
Charlie Pratt
​​

Board Members:
Claire Thom - Chair
Ann Hadley - Secretary
Fiona Osgood - Board Member
Scarlet Stables - Board Member
Bob Telfer - Board Member
Vicki Paterson - Board Member
Rebecca Glendinning - Board Member
Susan Scott - Board Member

The Building

Built in 1897, the building has been part of our community for over 100 years! Initially The Victoria Christian Institute, it has been known variously through the years as "the Institute", the "YMCA", the "Community Centre", and simply, the "Y". Today many people will pop along to the "YM", but its official name is Grantown YMCA Community Centre - bringing together the building's rich heritage into an all-encompassing name.

Well placed for meetings and gatherings, the building has undergone significant renovation to keep it in good use, including the installation of a lift to make the upper floor accessible to all. It's stand-out Victorian architechture is treasured amongst our community, and is arguably one of the most eye-catching buildings on the High Street!

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Plaque reads: "Victoria Christian Institute for Young Men and Young Women 1897 ORA ET LABORA".

From the Archives

With over a century of community activity passing through its doors, the history of our Community Centre is rich and diverse. Perhaps you have spent time here in the past? Please email us your memories and images at:
​[email protected]