The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Community groups to benefit from Open pot
The Open Legacy Fund will help sustainable community-based projects in the local area, says R&A
Community groups and projects are set to benefit from the £100,000 fund from the 147th Open at Carnoustie in July.
The Open Legacy Fund forms part of the R&A’S drive to provide lasting benefits to communities in which championships are staged.
A record 172,000 spectators visited Carnoustie to attend the Open this year, generating significant economic benefits for the region, and attracting worldwide coverage.
Carnoustie and district independent councillor David Cheape is urging groups to attend a briefing meeting next month and apply for a slice of the cash.
Mr Cheape said: “This meeting is a vital step in getting the grant funding process under way, and it is important that organisations attend to find out exactly how decisions will be made about funding.
“I am currently working with officers to identify groups who might be eligible for funding, but I want to stress that if anyone is missed out, we’d still like to see them.
“The grants are likely to be for fairly large-scale projects, which have a significant sustainability aspect to them, although some money will be available for smaller projects too.”
The R&A will attend to outline the requirements and criteria for project proposals and the process of submitting grant applications via Angus Council.
Johnnie Cole-hamilton, championships executive director at the R&A, said: “We are pleased to be working with Angus Council to identify local projects that can benefit from the proceeds of staging the Open and we look forward to welcoming local groups and residents to the event in Carnoustie.
“This is a great opportunity to leave a lasting legacy from the championship’s return to the famous Angus links earlier this year.”
Angus Council leader, David Fairweather said: “The 147th Open at Carnoustie was a tremendous success, both in terms of the sporting spectacle it provided and the great atmosphere it generated in the local community.
“The positive economic impact of the event is long-lasting, with the Open expected to have generated about £70 million for the area.
The Open Legacy Fund is a marvellous opportunity for community groups, organisations and individuals to seek funding for the priorities and opportunities that they have identified within their local community.”
The briefing session will take place at Carnoustie High School at 6pm on Tuesday October 16.
We are pleased to be working with Angus Council to identify local projects that can benefit from the proceeds of staging the Open