Investors
Investment Opportunity
The Burgh Meadows: Community Wealth Building at Scale
The Burgh Meadows
The Burgh Meadows is a £7m+ development opportunity with strong commercial fundamentals, social impact, and risk mitigation. We’re seeking investment partners aligned with community wealth building values.
This is not a speculative real estate play. It’s a social enterprise scaling proven impact model.
Investment Summary
Project: The Burgh Meadows Development
Location: Borrowmeadow Farm, Stirling (within Stirling Sports Village)
Total Investment Required: £7m+ (phased over 10 years)
Operator: Ceangail CIC (not-for-profit social enterprise)
Timeline: 2026 lease → 2027–2036 phased build
Projected Annual Economic Impact (Mature State): £3m+ to Stirling economy
Market Opportunity
The Problem:
- Event venue costs in Stirling are rising unsustainably (550% increase in 2024)
- Major cultural events (Stirling Highland Games) are at risk due to venue affordability
- 30+ years of unused brownfield land generates zero community or economic benefit
- Young people lack accessible pathways into tourism/hospitality careers
The Demand:
- Scotland’s tourism sector is growing (VisitScotland supports regional destination development)
- Event venues are in short supply across central Scotland
- Community wealth building models are prioritized by Scottish Government and regional development agencies
- Skills training in tourism is a national priority
Our Solution:
A 10,000-capacity events hub + training hub + accommodation + heritage destination. Vertical integration of events, training, and visitor experience.
Revenue Model
Phase 1 (2028 Onwards – Sports Ground & Pavilion):
- Event hosting fees (competitions, conferences, corporate events)
- Bistro food & beverage revenue
- Room hire (conferences, private events, training)
- Merchandise and concessions
- Parking revenue
- Sponsorships and naming rights
Phase 2 (2031 Onwards – Woodlands & Trails):
- Trail access fees (minimal or optional)
- Guided tours and interpretation services
- Enhanced visitor dwell time (longer stays = more F&B spend)
- Educational programs and school group bookings
Phase 3 (2036 Onwards – Bunkhouse):
- Accommodation revenue (nightly rates)
- Multi-day package pricing (event packages, group retreats)
- Extended visitor stay (increased restaurant/bar spend)
- Partnership opportunities (tour operators, schools)
Estimated Revenue by Year 3 (Mature Phase 1):
- Event hosting: £ [TBC]
- Bistro/F&B: £ [TBC]
- Room hire: £ [TBC]
- Other: £ [TBC]
- Total: £ [TBC]
Operating Model
Ceangail CIC operates The Burgh Meadows as a not-for-profit social enterprise.
Key Advantages:
- Proven operator – 10 years of event experience, community relationships, and track record
- Mission alignment – Revenue reinvested in skills training and community benefit
- Cost structure – Lower operational costs than for-profit competitor (no shareholders to pay, mission-driven staff)
- Community trust – Already embedded in Stirling; cross-party political support
- Asset lock – Legal structure ensures community benefit in perpetuity
Investment Options
Option 1: Grant/Subsidy (Public/Charitable)
Community Ownership Fund (COF), Heritage grants, Regional economic development funds. [TBC amounts and timeline]
Option 2: Impact Investment
Below-market-rate returns with explicit social/environmental impact metrics. ESG-aligned investors seeking community wealth building.
Option 3: Debt Financing
Commercial loans secured against revenue projections and Ceangail’s asset lock structure.
Option 4: Joint Venture
Institutional partners (local authorities, heritage trusts) co-investing in specific phases or components.
Risk Mitigations
Operational Risk:
- Ceangail has 10 years of event delivery experience
- Skills Connect Academy proven at scale
- Management team includes heritage, tourism, and events professionals
- Advisors include council officers, planners, heritage specialists
Market Risk:
- Stirling Highland Games is an established, iconic event (40+ year history)
- Tourism to Stirling is growing (VisitScotland data)
- Regional event venue demand is demonstrated
- Community wealth building models are Scottish Government priority
Financial Risk:
- Phased development (10 years) spreads investment and allows revenue ramp-up before later phases
- Each phase must demonstrate viability before next phase begins
- Multiple revenue streams reduce dependency on single income source
- Asset locked structure protects community investment
Planning/Regulatory Risk:
- Pre-planning consultation completed with Stirling Council (positive response)
- Heritage assessment completed (Forth fjord protected, farmhouse to be levelled following approval)
- Environmental and contamination surveys planned
- Planning application pathway agreed with council
Impact Metrics
Economic:
- £3m+ annual economic impact
- 17 permanent jobs
- 1,380 young people trained annually
- 50,000+ annual visitors (projected)
Social:
- Skills pipeline in tourism/hospitality
- Youth employability improvements
- Community event access and participation
- Health and wellbeing (active travel infrastructure)
Heritage/Environmental:
- Brownfield regeneration
- Archaeological protection and interpretation
- Native woodland restoration
- Wildlife habitat enhancement
Next Steps for Investors
- Request Full Investment Prospectus – Detailed financials, phase timelines, risk analysis
- Schedule Call with Ceangail Leadership – Discuss partnership structure and terms
- Site Visit – See Borrowmeadow Farm and understand the opportunity
- Due Diligence – Legal, financial, environmental reviews
- Term Sheet – Negotiate investment structure and governance