Cash boost for lifeline project

A Perthshire-based initiative has been handed a grant worth almost £60,000 to run a community transport project.

Tay Valley Timebank aims to connect people living across Highland Perthshire.

Over the next three years they will work with over 2500 people offering them a range of transport options using volunteer drivers, a bike rental scheme and a lift share scheme.

The group was this week awarded £59,430 from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue its work.

Among those who benefit from the service is Sadie Fraser (88), from Aberfeldy. Sadie struggles getting out and about since her macular degeneration means she could no longer use the bus.

She said:“I am so delighted to have the opportunity to use this community lifts service.

“Now I’ll be able to get to the doctors and the optician for appointments and hopefully back to my exercise class when it starts up again as well as seeing my friends again.

“I am so lucky to live in a caring community and benefit from this wonderful transport scheme which makes me feel like I am not alone.”

Emma Birtles, development officer at Tay Valley Timebank, said:“It’s a massive boost for our‘Better Transport for Community and Environment Project’ which will create more transport options in our rural community.

“This means people, who currently cannot travel to where they need to go, can do so and people who travel regularly have more choices so they can make more sustainable journeys.

“This funding enables our project to grow and develop whilst also becoming more sustainable. It will really make a difference to our community and to people’s lives. Thank you so much to the people who buy National Lottery tickets for supporting our community.”