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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Community projects share £1.3 million

31/07/2003

Community projects including a transport project on Islay and Jura, a community minibus and playpark on the Western Isles and a scheme to renovate a derelict hall in Moray, are among 39 community projects sharing £1.3 million from the Executive.

The money is being made available through the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund (SRPF). The fund comprises three component grant schemes:

  • Rural Challenge Fund (RCF) offers grants to rural projects which propose innovative ways of tackling particular rural problems, or create a wider range of opportunities in rural areas - £646,000.
  • Rural Strategic Support Fund (RSSF) offers grants to support Local Rural partnerships or community-led organisations to promote capacity building - £22,000
  • Local Capital Grants Scheme (LCGS) offers grants for the building or upgrading of community facilities - £624,445

This money is in addition to the first tranche of SRPF funding of £1.5million for 46 rural community projects which was announced on March 7 this year.

Funding will also be used from the RSSF to establish new community-led partnerships. These include a Scottish Islands Network to promote, publicise and advance the interests of the Scottish islands by bringing together key public, private and community organisations.

Deputy Minister for Rural Development Allan Wilson said:

"I am delighted to announce the award of funding totalling £1.3 million for 39 projects across rural Scotland. This money is good news for Scotland's rural communities and shows the Scottish Executive's commitment to these communities.

"The Executive recognises that rural communities often have a crucial role to play in delivering services locally and this funding will be used to deliver services in ways which meet the particular needs of local people.

"I congratulate the successful projects which will help to make a real difference to the lives of people in their local communities. These projects build on the Executive's commitment to social justice and building key services which enhance the quality of life."

The Scottish Rural Partnership Fund (SRPF) comprises three component grant schemes. The total projects announced for the 2003/04 round comprise:

  • £1.7 million from the Rural Challenge Fund (RCF) for community based projects to tackle particular rural problems and widen opportunities in rural areas
  • £1.13 million from the Local Capital Grants Scheme (LCGS) for the building and upgrading of community facilitieshalls
  • £82,000 from the Rural Strategic Support Fund (RSSF) for the establishment of Local Rural Partnerships and other community capacity building activities

Kinellar Community Association in Aberdeenshire will receive £100,000 in funding from the Local Capital Grants Scheme towards the replacement of the old community hall with a larger, modern hall to meet the needs of the expanding community.

Awards are made following a process of annual competitive bidding within each scheme.

Angus

An LCGS award of £20,000 to Charleston Village Hall Committee to rebuild part of the hall and provide accessible toilet facilities, a meeting room, kitchen and storage.

Argyll and Bute

An RCF award of £42,532 to Target Group Access to Leisure in Islay to provide free transport to allow isolated and disadvantaged groups to access social and leisure pursuits on the island.

Dumfries and Galloway

An RCF award of £46,431 to Community Social Skills Training in Moffat to allow the community to use creative arts for therapeutic purposes. Provide advice, workshops, and befriending opportunities for target groups including children at risk and individuals with learning difficulties.

East Ayrshire

An RCF award of £3500 for Dunlop Park Redevelopment to carry out a feasibility study to look at developing an existing area in the centre of the village for all age groups. The space could include landscaping, paths, seating, play areas and a football pitch.

Falkirk

An LCGS award of £5000 to Beancross and Newlands Community Association to upgrade kitchen facilities to meet Environmental Health standards

Fife

An LCGS award of £12,000 to Gateside and District Community Association to replace windows in the village hall and put in disabled access

Highland

An LCGS award of £100,000 to renovate the derelict old St Andrews Church House in Kingussie to provide flexible and modern facilities for the whole community. The re-modelled building will include a recreation hall, exhibition hall, and meeting rooms.

Inverclyde

An RCF award of £33,000 for Quarriers Village Cycle Track to build a new pedestrian/cycle track that will link the village to the Sustrans Cycle Network.

Midlothian

An LCGS award of £53,000 for Loanhead Miners Charitable Society to develop the existing premises and create a new multi purpose hall for the community.

Moray

An LCGS award of £54,520 for Portlessie Public Hall to renovate, refurbish and extend the existing derelict hall.

Perth and Kinross

An LCGS award of £56,000 to Guildtown Community Association to extend and improve the community hall to provide changing facilities, Internet access point, kitchen and disabled access, including toilet facilities.

Renfrewshire

An RCF award of £22,130 for the Howwood Playground Project to develop a modern, outdoor play area for younger members of the population from toddlers to teenagers.

South Lanarkshire

An RCF award of £15,579 for Lead South Lanarkshire to enable physically and sensory impaired adults within rural South Lanarkshire to access education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Stirling

An LCGS award of £49,000 for the John McLintock Hall Trust, Balfron to renovate and refurbish the hall, including improving access for all and installing a hearing loop.

West Dunbartonshire

An LCGS award of £8000 for Knowetop Community Farm to upgrade the existing premises for educational, social and recreational activities.

West Lothian

An LCGS award of £33,725 to Harburn Village Hall Association to extend the village hall to provide new entrance hall, kitchen, toilets and storage.

Western Isles

An RCF award of £ 49,491 to North Lochs Community Partnership on Lewis to help provide new facilities, targeting the elderly and young people. Initiatives include the purchase of a community minibus and a children's playpark.

Page updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2004