Arbroath groups among those to benefit from rural funding

Arbirlot Community Trust received funding for a feasibility study on the alternative use of church buildings.

The scheme, which closed in December 2022, was funded by the Scottish Government’s rural Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund and was open to applications which demonstrated positive community, social or environmental impacts.

Arbroath Sea Pool received £16750 to fund a feasibility study of the project, Arbirlot Community Trust was granted £18,965 for a feasibility study into alternative uses of church buildings while Hospitalfield Trust will use its £16,420 for the development of a volunteer and engagement programme.

Of the 31 applications received, the others to receive funding are: Angus Tourism Co-operative – feasibility study of outdoor adventure activities (£12,000); Angus Upcycling Project – purchase of room dividers and tables (£12,988.80); Angus Young Engineers – purchase of a minibus (£25,000); Brechin Community Football Trust – feasibility study for The Glebe (£30,213); Charleston Village Children’s Playpark – upgrade of playpark (£14,265.20); Friockheim Community Hub – development of rural support programme (£19,000);; Kirriemuir Food Hub – purchase of an electric vehicle (£31,000); Sustainable Kirriemuir – development of St Mary’s Field Community Garden (£7101.96); The Society of Friends of Brechin Cathedral – preparing for the future (£11,125).

Friockheim Community Hub was also among the recipients.

Angus Rural Partnership was formed after the Angus LEADER Programme, which ran from 2014 to 2020 ended. It was decided to form a new organisation to promote Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) to support vibrant, sustainable communities.

Hugh Campbell Adamson, chairperson, said: “The ARP Fund was established to encourage and support local communities in undertaking their own local development.

"We’re grateful to the Scottish Government for supporting the ARP Fund and we believe these awards will be the catalyst to deliver sustained growth across Angus.”

It is anticipated that the fund will reopen in late Spring, and anyone interested in applying should visit www.angusruralpartnership.org.uk for further details.