‘Beast from the east’ £220,000 pot of gold for communities

Angus North and Mearns residents have been urged to tap into a new £220,000 fund to help vulnerable communities bounce back from severe weather.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has opened the 2018 round of its Resilient Communities Fund just as the country begins its recovery from the “beast from the east”.

The money supports local projects that look out for vulnerable people and enhance community facilities, services and communication so that locals can be better prepared in the event of an emergency.

The fund helped several projects last year, including the team behind a new £2,000 defibrillator for Strathmore Sharks Rugby Club in Forfar.

Another £14,274 went towards funding wellness plans for Stonehaven-based mental health charity Pillar Kincardine.

Applicants can bid for grants of up to £20,000 from the total £220,000 funding pot for the north of Scotland.

The deadline for applications for the next round is May 15.

Angus North and Mearns SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon said: “There was a fantastic response from communities all over Scotland to the extreme weather we suffered recently.

“Many people went above and beyond the call of duty to help their neighbours and funds like this can help give our communities the tools they need for emergency situations.

“Whether it’s defibrillators like that purchased by Strathmore Sharks Rugby Club or support for people living with mental health issues through Pillar Kincardine, this funding can go a long way.

“I would urge any group in Angus North and Mearns which is seeking to make their community more resilient to look into this fund.”

To find out more visit the website ssen.co.uk/resiliencefund