North-east residents can have their say on £1m community fund spend
Residents in Aberdeenshire, and Moray have just days left to make their voices heard in the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund public vote.
With more than 80 eco-friendly community projects in the running for a share of the £1 million funding pot, residents in the region have an opportunity to influence how this funding will shape their communities.
The initiative aims to support green, sustainable solutions that address local needs while contributing to Scotland's wider net-zero and environmental goals.
The £1 million fund has been split equally among three regions, also including Aberdeen, with each receiving £333,333 to distribute to eligible projects.
Online public voting will determine which initiatives secure funding, ensuring that the final decisions reflect the priorities of the people who live and work in these areas.
The process has already attracted thousands of voters since opening on November 11 and it is hoped more people will take part during the final week, with the vote closing at 5pm on Wednesday, November 27.
Maggie Hepburn, chief executive at ACVO TSI, highlighted the importance of the community participation element of the process.
She said: “The Just Transition PB Fund empowers residents in the north-east and Moray by allowing them to have direct influence over how funding is distributed.
“All projects have the potential to make a positive environmental and social impact and are designed to enhance local communities while addressing environmental challenges.
“At ACVO TSI we know the challenges faced by community organisations when it comes to securing funding for projects within this current financial climate, so welcome the opportunity to distribute this funding in Aberdeen once again, as do our colleagues in Aberdeenshire and Moray.”
Since launching in 2022 the Just Transition PB Fund has allocated £2.5 million to 99 innovative projects, including an electric vehicle for AberNecessities to support families in need, greener machinery for Strichen Community Park, and energy-efficient upgrades for local facilities such as Finechty Men’s Shed and Buckie Thistle FC.
This year’s 80+ project proposals include a wide variety of initiatives, from renewable energy solutions to community-led environmental education programs.
By voting, residents can directly influence which projects will help make their communities greener, more resilient, and more sustainable.
The fund is delivered locally on behalf of the Scottish Government by ACVO TSI, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, and tsiMoray, with support from NESCAN Hub and Money for Moray.
To cast your vote and learn more about the projects, visit www.jtpbfund.scot/vote
Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday, November 27.
