East Neuk charrettes share in £50,000 Holyrood windfall

Two East Neuk projects have been awarded £25,000 each by the Scottish Government.

Making Places grants went to Crail and Elie and Earlsferry, both of which have launched charrettes to give local people a say in planning their communities’ futures.

Crail Community Partnership intends to use the funding to develop a 30-year strategy for a sustainable future for the village – and an action plan to put it into practice.

Heather Aird, of Crail Community Council, said the award was a great step forward.

“After working with pupils from Crail Primary School on the first stage of the charrette, I look forward to working more on the project in stages two and three to help create a positive future for Crail,” she added.

East Neuk and Landward councillor Bill Porteous said the grant award was testament to the very hard work of everyone involved in the charrette and added: “Now the hard bit – ensuring Crail will become a vibrant and welcoming burgh for all ages.”

A public meeting on the project will be held in Crail Kirk on December 3 at 7.30pm.

The Elie and Earlsferry charrette is being led by Elie and Earlsferry Action Group, which has already carried out a community survey and will also be able to make progress.

Announcing 20 Making Places grants across Scotland, communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The best people to decide the future of their local community are the people who live there.

“This funding is enabling local groups to have a bigger say in the design or improvement process of amenities, giving people a voice in shaping their neighbourhoods.”