Communities urged to apply for funding

Community-based projects in Perth and Kinross could receive a funding boost of up to £20,000.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is encouraging organisations with community-based projects in the region to apply for its new Coasts and Waters Heritage Fund which launched on Monday (March 9) .

As part of the new scheme, grants between £3000 and £20,000 will be available for projects which help communities to protect, promote or engage with Scotland’s coasts or waterway. This includes projects which are developing and implementing measures to enhance resilience and adapt to climate change.

While community groups are encouraged to apply, the scheme is open to all organisations throughout the country. All applicants, however, should demonstrate how their project will benefit the local community.

This could be through developing traditional skills, stabilising historic or marine structures, hosting community outreach and educational activities, or increasing people’s understanding of Scotland’s coasts and waters heritage.

The Coasts and Waters Heritage Fund is a one-off, competitive fund to celebrate Scotland’s themed year and applications will close on Sunday, May 31.

Jane Ryder OBE, chair of HES, said: “For thousands of years, communities across Scotland have lived and worked along or near water, and the Year of Coasts and Waters provides an excellent opportunity to engage people with our coastal and waterway heritage.

“Through this new grant programme, we are encouraging communities not only to celebrate our coasts and waters, but also to explore opportunities to adapt to the effects of climate change and help ensure this important aspect of our heritage is protected for future generations.”

Expression of interest must be made by Thursday, April 30.

Applications will close on Sunday, May 31.