Festive funding boost for schools, charity and community groups

Schools and community groups in Perth and Kinross have been handed early Christmas presents thanks to the National Lottery.

Local causes benefited from a share of more than £650,000 from Awards for All to support projects that work to bring communities together and benefit residents.

Horsecross Arts, which runs Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, will use its £7,500 grant to give dancing lessons to people with mental and physical disabilities in Perth and Blairgowrie.

Participants will also enjoy a trip to see a professional dance performance as part of the project.

Blackford Primary School was awarded £7,688 to improve its outdoor area, while Meigle Primary will use its £7,607 award to purchase new playground equipment.

Finally, the Kinnesswood in Bloom group received £7,669, which will enable members to landscape an area at the entrance to the village.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “The variety of projects receiving funding underlines the real diversity of community groups that are working to make lives better.

“Awards for All do a fantastic job in supporting communities throughout Scotland and I would call on other groups throughout the region, in need of support, to submit their application.”

The Awards for All Scotland funding gives groups a chance to apply for a grant of between £500 and £10,000 for projects that aim to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need.

Groups can visit www. biglotteryfund.org.uk for more information.