North-east projects receive major Rural & Island Communities Ideas into Action funding boost
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A range of diverse projects across the north-east will receive grants ranging from from the Rural & Island Communities Ideas into Action (RICIA) fund.
The fund encourages and supports not-for-profit community groups with innovative approaches to community-led local development which include solutions to net zero and just transition goals, tackling rural poverty and supporting rural communities through the cost crisis.
Projects include building of mountain bike trails to bring in new visitors and provide sports opportunities to the local community, opening up a community hall as a ‘warm space’ over the winter months, development of a community allotment and creating new public toilets.
The funding forms part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme and is being delivered in partnership between the Scottish Government and Inspiring Scotland.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: “I am pleased to see a diverse and impactful range of projects availing of this opportunity.
"We remain committed to ensuring that our rural and island communities take advantage of local opportunities and are empowered to tackle local challenges.
“This investment comes at a critical time for our rural and island communities who are facing disproportionate impact of the cost crisis when compared to the rest of the country.
“I look forward to seeing how these grants support communities in their endeavours and I wish them the very best.”
Inspiring Scotland CEO Celia Tennant said; “We’re delighted to continue to support the Scottish Government to deliver the Rural and Islands Communities Ideas into Action Fund.
"We know local, grassroots groups are best placed to respond to the needs and opportunities most important to their communities.
"We look forward to working alongside successful applicants and will support them to make meaningful change in their local area.”
In Aberdeenshire -
Huntly Development Trust, Number 30, The Square, £60,370 to refurbish a vacant dilapidated space in the heart of Huntly town centre into a high-quality centre focused on enterprise, skills development, training and learning opportunities and leisure and recreational activities, specifically the fit out of the community café.
Oldmeldrum Green Growing Space, £85,699 to develop a community allotment through delivery of groundworks, materials and structures they need in order to open it to their community waiting list for use at the end of March 2023.
A spokesperson for the group said: "Oldmeldrum Green Growing Space are absolutely delighted to have been selected for support through Inspiring Scotland by the Scottish Government Rural and Island Communities Idea into Action Fund.
"It means that the goal of having allotment space available for the local community in 2023 is now achievable."
SEAchange - Slains Environmental Action for Change, £96,727 to support the architect and engineer fees for the design stage of their kirk redevelopment project, as well as the initial fencing and tree planting for their community woodland, and a dedicated development officer to manage the work and seek further investment.
Strichen Community Park Company, £30,000 to install a sewer link for the public toilets in this community park, to meet the demand from an increased number of park users.
Tarland Development Group £100,000 to complete two mountain bike trails as part of its mountain bike trail centre, which will bring new visitors and support new enterprises in the area, as well as providing sports opportunities to support health and wellbeing in the community.
The Seed Box - Expanding the Seed Box at the Lochton of Leys, £15,000 T-to undertake site preparation works to enable its new community growing site, and an increase in its provision of supported day session for adults with additional support needs.
Aberluthnott Parish Church, £4349 to establish a functioning market garden to grow fresh local, seasonal produce throughout the year to help improve access to fresh produce and create intergenerational opportunities.
Balmedie Congregational Church Resilient Community/Warm Place Project, £3325 to purchase a generator and materials for their Pilot Warm Place Project, which is in response to growing concern for the safety of the community from their local community trust in relation to a lack of services for blackouts, which had occurred last winter, and the rising cost of living.
Cromar Future Group Inclusive Rural Science Education, £4272 to deliver a weekly science club for children who are home-educatedto support socialisation and enhanced learning, and to develop "Hands -on-kits" to be rotated around local primary skills.
Potterton Congregational Church Pavilion Adaption Feasibility Study £4500 to undertake a feasibility study to explore the idea of the local village pavilion being transformed in to a community facility, and transferred from Aberdeenshire Council in to community ownership.
Tarland Community Housing Project development £5000 to undertake project development work and an early-stage feasibility study necessary to
support the development of new affordable housing in Tarland.
Udny and Pitmedden Church of Scotland (Formartine Youth Project) Pitmedden Youth Cafe £2480 to initiate a free weekly after school Youth Café for the local P6-S6 age group, responding to demand for more accessible, free activities for young people in the Formartine area.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP for Gordon where recipients include the groups in Huntly, Oldmeldrum, Balmedie and Potterton said: “I am delighted for the four organisations concerned.
"These are substantial awards which can help make a real difference to their local communities.
“I’m always keen to look at ways of encouraging more funding applications from community groups and organisations to take advantage of what’s available and ensure that North-east communities benefit as a result.
"As a first step, I am happy to provide a letter of support for constituted groups who are making or considering making funding applications.
“In the coming months, I will be hosting an online event with a major lottery funder which aims to provide some insights to community groups as to what is available and how to frame a successful application and I will be publicising that shortly.”
In Moray -
Wild Things Environmental Education in Action, £40,329 to purchase a new accessible minibus to replace its existing and unreliable vehicle, enabling it to continue to deliver its nature/outdoors -focused wellbeing sessions to intergenerational groups.
Buckie Area Forum - The Hub, £4250 to host a pilot project in collaboration with Findochty & Buckie Development Trust and Buckie Salvation Army to develop a community hub focused on signposting, information and support spanning income maximisation, citizens advice, housing, employability, food insecurity, crafts, learning, health and wellbeing and volunteering.
Portgordon Community Trust Website development and branding £4670 to develop a website and logo to promote Portgordon Community Trust, the Community Hub, Village Hall, activities, groups and events, with the ability to increase capacity in line with future developments – including an online shop and bookings.
The Findhorn Village Conservation Company £5000 to work with a new local sauna business to offer a winter wellbeing programme for local
residents.
