Keith Community Radio and local youth groups benefit in latest round of payouts from Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund
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KEITH Community Radio (KCR) plans to upgrade its studio and a number of youth groups have been given a kick-start after Covid through windfarm windfalls.
Fifteen local community organisations have received a share of more than £50,000 handed out in the latest round of payouts from the Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund.
Applications were received from local groups which are resuming community activities after lockdown – many whose focus is on supporting young people.
One of Keith’s key organisations for young people, The Loft Youth Project, has been given funding to support an outreach project to connect with young people out in the community.
The 2nd Keith Scout Group, 1st Keith Guides and Brownies and Botriphnie Primary Parent Council were also successful with their funding bids to get back into action following pandemic restrictions.
Claire Neish, unit leader for 1st Keith Guides and Brownies, which received a grant for group resources, said: "The grant from Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund will help the Guide and Brownie groups get restarted with their activities.
"We have kept up meetings online but can’t wait to get back to face-to-face meetings, so are delighted to have received this funding."
KCR, which provides companionship and advice to many local listeners, a considerable number of whom were isolated during the pandemic, received funding to upgrade its studio facilities.
Earlier this year the station was left reeling after losing its lynchpin, Eddie Stuart, who died aged 67, and a month later the popular KCR presenter Moira "Granny" Morrison, who was 71.
John Sievwright, KCR president and presenter, said: "We are delighted to have received this grant from Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund which will help the station upgrade our studio and broadcasting equipment.
"This will allow KCR to improve the broadcasting service that we provide to the community and allow more volunteers to be involved."
The fund was set up in 2012 by RES, operator of the 21-turbine Hill of Towie site near Drummuir, to support groups and projects that benefit Boharm, Botriphnie and Keith.
Callum Whiteford, RES community relations manager, said: "We know how much these groups are valued locally so we’re very happy that we can assist with their recovery and the restart of activities."
Karen Cunningham, community renewables officer at local environmental charity REAP, which administers the fund, said: "We are always happy to talk through ideas with people and advise them if their organisation and plans are eligible for these funds.
"We are available to give support with any questions about the application form or the process.
"The funds are open to constituted community groups, charities and social enterprises that benefit the local area.
"The decision-making panel is made up of local volunteers who give their time to assess the many diverse types of applications from the wide range of community groups and organisations in the area."
The latest funding round was well subscribed and a final round for Covid-related grants was included, which has helped volunteer community groups with the additional challenges due to the pandemic.
The deadline for applications for the next round of funding is October 26.
More information and application forms are available at www.reapscotland.org.uk. To contact REAP email info@reapscotland.org.uk or phone 01542 888 070.
