Buckie area groups bid for cash as Moray Just Transition Fund public vote opens
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VOTING to decide who receives cash from the Moray Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund has opened.
The poll was formally opened at a showcase drop-in event in Elgin Town Hall where the groups bidding for cash had the opportunity to pitch their projects to members of the public.
The Just Transition Fund is a £500 million 10-year commitment from the Scottish Government that will support projects in the north-east and Moray that contribute towards the region’s transition to net zero. Projects addressing climate change, community engagement, and a seamless transition to net zero could receive up to £50,000 in support. The community now assumes a central role, participating in online voting to champion the initiatives they wish to endorse.
A total of six groups from the Buckie area have submitted bids for funding.
Hoping to be awarded £26,750 are Buckie Thistle FC who are seeking to instal a sustainable, energy efficient and low operating cost football pitch LED floodlight system.
Three Cullen groups have cast their hats into ring. The town's Community Allotments Association are bidding for £12,211 to replace their storm damaged polytunnel with a polycrub, which is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. The association say that local volunteer groups such as the Millennium Garden, town flowers and community lunches will benefit from this facility.
The sum of £18,900 would see Cullen Sea School invest in a range of energy efficient equipment to aid long-term sustainability, contributing to tackling climate change, promoting activities stimulating physical and mental health for all, including schools, who currently use the school's facilities.
The final Cullen group in the mix for funding is the Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative, who are asking for £420 to instal energy efficient heating in their office. Savings will be redirected into community tourism activities.
The volunteer-run Findochty Town Hall have their eye on solar photovoltaic panels to reduce their gas and electricity bills should they be successful in attracting the necessary £16,240 in funding.
Finally, also in village, Finechty Men's Shed would like to acquire a 24ft x 10ft anti-vandal cabin which will be converted into a second woodwork workshop, allowing group members to work safely and in comfort all year round. The project comes with a £20,000 price tag.
Voting closes on Friday, October 13 at 5pm. Visit https://www.jtpbfund.scot/ to find out more about the fund, the projects bidding for cash and to vote.
