Coastal funding support opens for Aberdeenshire communities
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The second year of Aberdeenshire Council’s Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF) programme has been launched.
Grants are being targeted at community groups, third sector organisations and small businesses on Aberdeenshire’s coastline and can fund a range of activities with positive economic, social or environmental impacts.
The fund distributes revenues generated by Crown Estate Scotland, with applications being assessed and approved by NESFLAG – the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group – a cross-sector partnership comprising representatives from Aberdeenshire’s coastal and fishing sectors.
This year’s programme builds on a very successful first year which offered grants to an array of projects including equipment for sailing clubs in Peterhead and Stonehaven, infrastructure improvements to small harbours, investments in a fish processing business in Portsoy, a new restaurant at the Lighthouse Museum in Fraserburgh and interpretation displays at Macduff Marine Aquarium.
This year’s grants will be targeted towards activities or infrastructure which meet the following priorities:
- Supporting the development of active travel routes along, to and from the coastline.
- Developing the coastal economy and sustainable tourism.
- Creating or enhancing community, leisure and recreational facilities.
- Safeguarding, restoring or enhancing the coastal environment.
Grants between £2500 and £25,000 will be available, and applicants must make a minimum 10 per cent match funding contribution to projects. Small business applicants must contribute 50 per cent match funding.
Due to budget conditions, all projects must be completed by March 31, 2022.
Chairman of the council’s environment and infrastructure services committee, councillor Peter Argyle said “I was hugely impressed with the projects which received funding last year and this second round of financial support will provide another great opportunity to support and develop Aberdeenshire’s coastal communities and businesses who continue to face challenging circumstances.”
Vice-chairman councillor John Cox said: “Investing in our coastal towns and key sectors such as seafood – especially adding value to our seafood right here in the north-east – continues to help lay the foundations for a robust economic recovery.
"I would encourage any groups or businesses wishing to bid for funding to contact council officers as soon as possible as we have limited time to spend this money.”
The deadline for submission of applications is Monday, November 15 and potential applicants can access the application form and guidance at nesflag.org.uk/CCCF
Applicants are also encouraged to contact the council for more information and support at coastalcommunities@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
