Community projects bid for share of £700k fund

“We now need local people to get behind us, to show their support and vote

Aproject in Aberdeen is bidding to win £70,000 of National Lottery funding – but it needs your help.

Greyhope Bay is one of 15 groups in the running for a slice of £700,000 of the People’s Projects funding.

The fund delivers grants to UK communities and raises awareness for the 95 shortlisted groups.

The three projects with the most public votes will receive grants of up to £70,000. Runners-up will be offered up to £10,000.

If successful, the team at Greyhope Bay will use the money to start up a programme for people of all ages and abilities to learn about the coast, environment and local heritage.

It will also create a dedicated channel for all the community to have a say on the project.

Greyhope Bay founder Fiona McIntyre is urging locals to show their support and help them win the “much-needed” funding.

Ms McIntyre said: “If we win, our project will make a real difference to our local community by building our capacity to deliver meaningful accessible art and learning programmes, create opportunities to shape the future of the projects as we expand and inspire communities around the UK to do the same.

“We now need local people to get behind us, to show their support and vote.”

Meanwhile in Nairn, the Highland Cycle Ability Centre is also in the running.

The group hopes to use the cash to provide cycling opportunities to people with access needs.

The charity has been running an open-air track giving children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to race and ride bikes in a safe environment.

The group plans to use any award to provide supervised rides on adapted bikes.

Brian Mavin, general manager at the centre, said: “The People’s Projects has given us an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and support for our work and, with your help, secure this additional much-needed funding.”

National Lottery Community Fund boss David Knott said: “It is now time for the public to have their say in how vital National Lottery funding is used in their area.”

Voting closes at noon on Friday May 26 and votes can be cast online.

FUND QUEST: Fiona McIntyre of Greyhope Bay, one of 15 groups in the running for a slice of £700,000. Picture by Scott Baxter.

Greyhope Bay at Torry teaches about the coast.

Nicola Sturgeon on a visit to Greyhope Bay.