Just Transition Fund hailed for community impact across north-east
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THE impact of the Just Transition Participatory Budget scheme on north-east communities is to be praised in the Scottish Parliament.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam has submitted a motion to Holyrood after the latest round of the fund. The £500 million Scottish Government scheme is designed to help the north-east economy diversify and move away from fossil fuels, and to support creating a sustainable future for Aberdeen City, Shire, and Moray in their journey away from reliance on oil and gas.
Community projects can benefit from the scheme via the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund which sees local organisations apply for funding which is then put to a public vote to decide.
The Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund saw £1.5 million shared out to community groups in this year’s round.
The Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency has seen 10 successful projects be awarded funding in this round, with £144,355 being shared amongst the successful applicants.
The motion submitted to parliament by Ms Adam highlights the success of this year's round and its positive impact on Banffshire and Buchan Coast, as well as calling on other MSPs to promote the fund in their local areas.
She said: "It's great to hear of the many community groups and organisations who have benefited from the Scottish Government Just Transition Participatory fund this year.
"I congratulate all the successful organisations but also encourage those not successful this time to try again next year. If your group has never bid for this fund, you should consider it.
"My office is always available to help you with a bid in any way we can. We can help community groups, clubs, organisations, and businesses find out what grants may be available.
The motion text reads: "The parliament hails the success of the latest round of the Scottish Government funded Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund, which has resulted in substantial investment in the local economies of Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, and Moray while accelerating the move to a just transition for our north-east communities; notes with appreciation that Banffshire and Buchan Coast has witnessed 10 projects sharing £144,355 in funding from this year's round; congratulates the successful organisations; encourages other community organisations to come forward with bids for funding in the next round, and calls for all north-east elected representatives to promote this fund to the communities they serve actively.
