The Trust has registered charitable status (awarded in 1999) and is a company limited by guarantee. A range of small-scale projects was completed prior to 2000 when annual income was small. A community website, environmental improvements and feasibility studies on a North Northumberland Visitors Centre followed in 2001.

In 2002, the Trust became the delivery agency for the Seahouses Market Town Initiative in partnership with the Countryside Agency and Northumberland Strategic Partnership

A series of workshops and consultations highlighted strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in three key areas: the economy, social and community life and the environment. Many of these key issues had also been highlighted during the earlier Civic Trust study.

The process led to the production of a Community Plan for the area . It encapsulated a vision for the future of Seahouses and surrounding communities that stated:

‘In 20 years time, Seahouses will be a highly desirable and vibrant place to live and visit. With the outstanding beauty of its natural environment and its diverse, healthy and well-connected communities, it will serve as a rural model for the marriage of the traditional and the new. It’s historically significant but still active harbour will be at the centre of the area’s quality tourist sector, which will be underpinned by a thriving and sustainable mix of businesses, services and housing.’

The initiative saw the range of projects delivered by the Trust, levels of staffing and annual income increase significantly and this has continued to the present day.