Lottery boost for local cause

A Fife organisation has been awarded a slice of more than £6.2 million of National Lottery good cause cash being announced today.

The money from the Big Lottery Fund is going to 24 community groups across the country to help them put on activities that aim to boost creativity, confidence and self-esteem.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health will receive a grant of £175,658 to develop green spaces in the Auchmuty area of Glenrothes.

The group intends to use gardening and growing as a vehicle for volunteering, developing skills and bringing the community together.

The activities will have a strong inter-generational focus.

The group aims to benefit 450 people locally by reducing isolation among older people, and increasing the skills and employability of children and young people.

Maureen McGinn, chairwoman of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “Because people play the National Lottery, then great things can happen in their communities.

Today’s £6 million injection of funding is a perfect illustration, as it will create many new opportunities for people across Scotland to come together, learn and share skills.”

Other Scots projects to benefit include a £324,625 windfall for Ardrossan Community Association and a £142,000 grant for a food project on Skye.