Grants get right into communities

OVER a dozen groups in Dumfriesshire and Stewartry have received funding from the Scottish Government.

They were successful in round four of the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Fund, to help community facilities reach net zero; sustaining, improving and adding initiatives in rural communities; address the cost-of-living crisis and carry out research, needs assessments, and feasibility studies for local place plans.

Denise Malone, of YMCA Dumfries, welcomed their £30,000 grant which will go towards its community kitchen to help tackle food and fuel poverty in North West Dumfries.

The project aims to upgrade the kitchen and café with new equipment and accessibility improvements to increase free and subsidised meals, promote wider volunteer participation, and reduce food waste.

She said: “The café has been in a reset period, allowing us to take stock and plan effectively for the next phase. The new funding provides a vital fresh start, enabling us to create a more accessible and functional kitchen space that enhances efficiency in serving the community, while also ensuring a safe, inclusive, and practical training environment for young people, staff, and volunteers.”

An award of £5000 went to SHAX for its Making a House into a Home project. This will support 250 individuals transitioning to independent living by providing essential starter packs tailored for male and female clients.

Manager Colin Callander-Bone said: “This grant will ensure that individuals in need receive essential items that support independent living at home, rather than merely surviving.

“This funding will help alleviate financial pressures, enabling people to prioritise their wellbeing and enjoy a better quality of life.”

Others set to benefit from the funding include:

• Birchvale Players, Dalbeattie £26,331
• Castle Douglas Development Forum £3534
• Include Us £3881
• Tinwald Parish Hall Committee £723;
• Nith Valley LEAF Trust £30,000;
• The Food Train £30,000;
• Kirkconnel Kelloholm Development Trust £1980;
• Carsethorn Community Development Group £6480;
• Early Years Scotland £4854;
• Rokpa Trust Lothlorien Community £11,093;
• Sanquhar Enterprise Company £25,617;
• UNACCI Upper Nithsdale £5000.