Mackenzie Construction makes positive impact with fund

Fèis an Tairbeirt chairwoman Alison McBride said: “It was a great experience for our young musicians and a rare chance to spend time together learning to perform with other students from Argyll.

“Mòran taing to Fèis Òigridh Ìle agus Dhiùra for having us and providing such a brilliant experience.

“We hope to reciprocate their hospitality and welcome young people from Islay and

Community groups across Crinan have benefited from a civil engineering contractor’s community fund

Mackenzie Construction, Scottish Canals’ principal contractor, delivering the canal custodian’s winter works programme for a third year along the Crinan Canal, launched the fund to give something back to the communities that have become a second home to many of the team.

The first call for applications in the summer of 2023 was a resounding success. One organisation to benefit from

Jura to Fèis an Tairbeirt in September.

“We have to say a massive thank you to Fèisean nan Gàidheal who made our trip to Islay possible thanks to generous funding from their development fund.”

Fèis an Tairbeirt – a tuition festival which celebrates the music and song culture connected with the Gaelic language – will take place in Tarbert on September 14. additional funding is the Lochgilphead Red Star Youth Football Team, who were awarded a lump sum to pay for new kits and equipment, making the club more accessible and open to a wider number of young footballers.

Fraser Knox, club chairman, said: “Lochgilphead Red Star Youth Football Club would like to extend a huge thank you to Mackenzie Construction Community Fund for the funding they donated to our club. This has allowed us to purchase new equipment for the club that will give the children the ability to progress and build their skills.”

Work has also begun to support the Ardrishaig Community Garden with pathways, drainage, levelling, and preparation works for their planting, helping them to establish a community garden for all to enjoy.

Sheila Groat, ACG secretary, commented: “We are delighted that Mackenzie Construction has selected us as one of the projects they will be supporting. The application process was simple and everyone we have met or spoken to at Mackenzie has been very helpful and supportive of our project. The work the team are going to carry out will make a significant difference to the development of the garden, especially the levelling of the site and the improved drainage.”

Community engagement has always been a key factor for Mackenzie Construction throughout the project and the Community Fund further reinforces that commitment to those in Crinan and the surrounding communities.