Kintyre trusts benefit from COVID funding
South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT), the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) and Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust (TSCT) are some of more than 120 community groups to benefit from the Scottish Government’s £350 million package of support to address the social and economic impacts of COVID-19.
The £40 million Supporting Communities Fund, which forms part of the Scottish Government’s support package, is being administered across the region by development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The fund includes an initial £10 million investment that is being distributed to communities through eligible community organisations that play an active role in providing vital local services. A further allocation of £10 million has been approved to support the second phase of the fund.
Eric Spence, chairman of SKDT, said he was ‘delighted’ that the trust had been awarded £35,000, adding: ‘We aim to support Kintyre Community Resilience Group, Kintyre Food Bank and ShopperAide in their vital work, as well as other local initiatives which are helping to keep our community safe and well. If you think your project could benefit, please contact me at eric@skdt.org’
The IGHT was awarded £11,000 which will support activities that directly assist residents and businesses on the island. This will include temporarily employing a COVID-19 volunteer coordinator based on the island and a small fund to support local response efforts.
Ian Wilson, chairman of IGHT, said: ‘This is a very worrying time for Gigha, its residents and businesses. None of us can be sure what the long-term impacts for our community will be but this is very welcome support that can help us provide very quick and local help.’
While TSCT secured and will manage its £23,607 funding, it will be distributed through Team Tarbert, the volunteer group set up at the start of the lockdown.
Areas where the money will be spent include: volunteers’ expenses; personal protective equipment for volunteers; insurance; purchase of mobile phones and the establishment of a hardship fund.
TSCT chairwoman Sheila Campbell said: ‘We are delighted TSCT has secured funding to support the communities of Tarbert and Skipness.
‘For the past few weeks TSCT and Team Tarbert have been supporting people in our communities with help from Airigh, Cour and RES Freasdail windfarms among others, and this grant will allow us to continue this support for some time to come.’
Fiona McTaggart, Team Tarbert’s coordinator, said: ‘We are extremely thankful to receive these funds, and the ongoing support from TSCT. This will give all those who we’re helping peace of mind that we can continue to provide support over the coming months. We are also grateful to work together with Tarbert Academy, Councillor Anne Horn, as well as the wider community to take care of those who need us most during this time.
‘The amount of support we’ve received from so many individuals and businesses has been phenomenal. That, together with our army of volunteers and wonderful community is what makes Team Tarbert work.’
Other community groups to benefit are: Carradale Community Trust, £10,600; Fyne Futures Limited, £20,000; the Isle of Jura Development Trust, £3,320, and South Islay Development, £50,000.
Kirsten Logue, HIE development manager, said: ‘HIE is distributing the Supporting Communities Fund in the region on behalf of the Scottish Government.
‘It’ll help anchor groups to co-ordinate and deliver their responses over the coming weeks and months.’