Volunteer transport charity granted £30,000

Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers are benefiting from a grant of £30,000 from the A’Chruach Wind Farm Trust.

The group takes people from the Mid Argyll area to medical appointments in the local area or to Glasgow, Oban, Campbeltown and anywhere else required.

Its service is available for people who cannot access public transport, either due to ill health, or if it does not run in conjunction with their appointments.

This funding will be divided into three years, with £10,000 a year for the next three years.

Malcolm Macdonald, chairman of Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers, said: “It is a phenomenal amount. This will give us a huge amount of stability.”

Volunteer drivers completed 1,275 journeys last year. They take some people to attend appointments in the Mid Argyll area and further afield.

Some people who use the service are cancer patients, who attend several appointments in Glasgow over a six-week period. Others are going for a one-off appointment.

Since June last year 400 people have contacted the Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers, for a variety of purposes.

Mr Macdonald added: “We are hoping to do driver training for some of the volunteers and are planning a first aid course. We are always on the look-out for more drivers, and people to help on the committee.

“Anybody who has some time available, it doesn’t matter how much or how little, we want to hear from you.”

He thanked A’Chruach Wind Farm Trust, Venient Energy and Foundation Scotland.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, contact transport co-ordinator Catherine Kennedy on 01546 60 3564 or by email on matvcoordinator@gmail.com.