Perth and kinross: news in brief

LOTTERY GRANTS New figures have revealed that £1.7 million of National Lottery funding was awarded in 45 grants across Perth and Kinross last year.

Among the projects were £9,763 to Alyth Golf Club to build a driving range, £213 to Craigie playgroup for an indoor climbing frame and £7,000 for Perth Festival of the Arts. HISTORY TALK Scone and District Historical Society will meet in Scone Old Church Hall, Burnside, tonight at 7.30pm.

The speaker is Ian Lindsay talking on the Society of High Constables. Visitors welcome. 50+ GROUP: Scone and District 50+ Group will meet at 2pm on Wednesday in the Robert Douglas Memorial Hall on Abbey Road.

Sandra Thomson will give a talk entitled My Jute Journey. New members welcome. WHISKY TASTING A whisky tasting in aid of the new Kettins Parish Hall will be held on Friday February 24, at 7.30pm for 8, at the Red House Hotel in Coupar Angus, led by expert David Cox.

Tickets cost £20 in advance from Andy Robb on 07733 001266 or Russell Miller on 07753 426208, or email andy. robb@blueyonder.co.uk or russ.miller@btinternet.com. STAMP CLUB Perth Philatelic Society members enjoyed a talk and display on Monaco from James Burney of Hawick Stamp and Postcard Club in the clubrooms of West End Bowling Club, Gray Street.

The next meeting is on Thursday, at 7.30pm, at the bowling club, with displays from vice-president Alan Fortune and members Mike McEwan and Grant Mitchell. Stamp enthusiasts and visitors welcome. MESSY CHURCH Craigie and Moncreiffe Church’s next Messy Church will be on February 26 at Moncreiffe Church, from 11am to 1pm, entry free.