Prince's Countryside Trust provides boost to rural Scotland

The Prince’s Countryside Fund have announced over £240,000 of grant awards in their most recent round of funding, including three projects in Scotland. 

Grants of up to £50,000 are available for projects that will provide a long-term positive impact to the individuals and communities they seek to benefit.

The Fund is currently open for grant applications until February 21st 2019 - find out more here. 

The three funded Scottish projects that have recently been announced are:

Mull and Iona Community Trust - £18,200.24 Argyll, Scotland
The Prince’s Countryside Fund grant will build on an existing project to part fund a Housing Project Officer who will oversee the development of 4 new houses for long term affordable rent in Ulva Ferry, on the rural West Coast on the isle of Mull. MICT will work with the local community group to ensure the key decisions at all stages of this project are made by community members: from house designs to allocation policy.

Iona Village Hall Community Trust - £25,000 Argyll, Scotland
This project is a renovation of Iona village hall which is the only dedicated community space on the island available to the 165 residents. The funding is for a kitchen renovation, storage equipment, tables/chairs for a meeting space, and lighting. Additionally, projectors and sound equipment for the hall are requested to host a regular winter film night for isolated elderly residents who cannot travel to the mainland cinema.  

Lochcarron Community Development Company - £25,000 Scottish Highlands
Currently the Smithy Community Hub is located on the busy North Coast 500 and is part of the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve. It comprises of a series of buildings and is rented to local craft businesses including pottery/traditional crafts worker/beeswax candle maker and a craft collective. This funding will provide a renovated community café, food training for some staff and part of the salary for a project officer.

Visit the Prince's Countryside Trust website for more information.