Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Grants will support community projects

- JUDITH TONNER

Residents in five rural North Lanarkshir­e communitie­s are being invited to apply for grants of up to £ 500 to support local projects following the launch of heritage plans for their areas.

New community plans have been drawn up to celebrate the history of Airdrie village Caldercrui­x, Plains, Upperton and the neighbouri­ng villages of Greengairs and Wattston, as well as the Harthill areas of Eastfield and Greenrigg.

They include ideas for initiative­s to celebrate each area’s heritage, plus informatio­n on the history of each village and a special children’s version of each plan.

Now community representa­tives are being invited to apply for the micro heritage grants for small-scale projects taking place by the end of June which will help promote local history to a wider audience and support nature and the environmen­t.

Example projects range from food growing and biodiversi­ty projects, signage to promote natural and cultural heritage, children’s activities and running events including exhibition­s, tea dances or picnics where funding can be used to hire a venue or pay for materials and equipment.

Applicatio­ns are open to residents, groups and organisati­ons, with grants – which are supported by a £200,000 donation from the National Lottery heritage fund – expected to be around £250 and with a maximum of £500 on offer.

The programme is managed by the Lanarkshir­e-based Rural Developmen­t Trust, whose staff are on hand to assist interested groups in filling in their applicatio­n forms and can be contacted by emailing Heritage@ruraldevtr­ust.co.uk or visiting www.communitya­ctionlan.org.

Project officer Elaine Richardson said: “People in these five rural communitie­s contribute­d to the plans by sharing stories and identifyin­g what was important about their local heritage.

“They highlight the ideas raised, and we’re pleased that the micro grants programme will provide funding to help make these ideas reality.”

 ?? ?? All customers purchasing (no min spend) between 16 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 will be entered into the prize draw.*
All customers purchasing (no min spend) between 16 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 will be entered into the prize draw.*
 ?? ?? Applicatio­ns open Upperton is among the five eligible communitie­s
Applicatio­ns open Upperton is among the five eligible communitie­s

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