Coronavirus in Moray: Speyside gets £13k grant
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A grant of £13,000 has been secured to help feed the vulnerable and elderly in Speyside.
The cash will be divided between five groups – two in both Aberlour and Rothes, the other in Craigellachie.
Marion Ross is the chairwoman of Speyside Community Council which accessed the grant from Highland and Island Enterprise.
An application for £2000 has also been made to the Scottish Government to support the actions of two more local groups.
Marion said: "People across Speyside have been very good at trying to support others with food.
"They've been trying to help those who can't go shopping for themselves or have financial difficulties.
"It's been quite difficult for locals to get in touch about Universal Credit.
"Not everybody has a computer.
"And even if they do, the broadband connection across many parts of Speyside leaves a lot to be desired."
As well as Rothes, Aberlour and Craigellachie, the community council also covers Knockando, Archiestown, Carron Cardhu, Dailuaine, Edinvillie, Glenlatterach, Ruthrie, Tomnabent, Woodside of Ballintomb and Inchberry.
Marion foresees problems for the whole area beyond the immediate upcoming weeks.
She said: "There has been a lot of money available for initiatives related to delivering food to people's homes, or for doing their shopping for them.
"And I'm not criticising that in any way – the number one priority has to be to keep people fed.
"However, I do fear for other services for elderly people, and for clubs and social groups.
"A lot of these organisations still have overheads to pay, even if they furlough their staff.
"I'm afraid that, without financial help, many will go to the wall.
"I wish there was some way to keep them 'bubbling along' so that they can reopen again when the right time comes."
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