The Scottish Government has announced that they are to fund more than 180 project across rural Scotland, to encourage not-for-profit community groups.
The funding comes as part of the Rural and Island Communities Ideas into Action fund, which will allow grant of anywhere between £100,000 and a couple of hundred pounds being awarded to community groups that are looking to take innovative approaches to local community development. This could include working towards achieving net zero, supporting a just transition, tackling poverty, and helping rural communities through the cost of living crisis.
Mairi Gougeon, Rural Affairs Secretary, said:
“We are working to ensure local communities are empowered to tackle local challenges.
“This investment comes at a critical time for our rural and island communities, who are disproportionately impacted by the cost of living crisis compared to the rest of the country.
“I wish all the successful community groups well as they now look to take forward these projects and make a positive difference to their local areas.”
Projects that are supported by the fund include:
- Building mountain bike trails to provide sporting opportunities and bring new visitors to the community
- Using a community hall as a ‘warm space’ through the winter and providing suppers to help alleviate costs around the community
- Purchasing educational equipment to benefit the mental health of children
- Installing solar panels to help manage electricity costs at a community hub
Celia Tennant, CEO of Inspired Scotland, added:
“We’re delighted to continue to support the Scottish Government to deliver the Rural and Island 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.”
