MCALPINE WELCOMES FUNDING FOR COALBED REGENERATION TRUST
Written by author on June 23, 2014
South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed a £753,000 funding boost for the Coalfields Regeneration trust (CRT) to support its work with former coalfields communities across Scotland including Ayrshire and Upper Nithsdale.
The CRT has used Scottish Government funding of £17 million to support more than 900 projects since 2002.
The new funding will directly support grass roots community groups in Ayrshire and Upper Nithsdale, Lothian, Clydesdale and Strathkelvin and Fife and Central Scotland to promote volunteering and community involvement, and engage local people in activities that will improve their health.
This is as well as supporting CRT in its advisory role and in undertaking the work it does with communities.
Forming either capital or revenue investment, local groups will be awarded between £500 to £10,000.
Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess, made the announcement during a visit to Netherthird Community Action Training in Cumnock.
The organisation, which previously received £50,000 in CRT funding, provides young people with training and employment opportunities in garden maintenance and landscaping across Cumnock and surrounding areas.
SNP MSP Ms McAlpine said:
“Community anchor organisations drive change across a broad spectrum of activity including environmental issues, promoting local economic growth, tacking unemployment and engaging in arts and cultural activity.
“This is evident at Netherthird Community Action Training, where young people have been helped into employment through its variety of training placements, modern apprenticeships and work placements.
“The Scottish Government’s commitment to provide the Coalfields Regeneration Trust with £753,000 in funding will deliver direct support to organisations operating in coalfield communities.
“This funding will help local people strengthen their own communities through active citizenship and community learning.
“The regeneration of our most disadvantaged communities is vital to help make them a better place for the people who live there, to help build better local economies and create employment opportunities.”
