Cash boost for Donside hall
A FUNDING programme has marked its second birthday by pledging to help finance new projects in Deeside and Donside.
The extension of Keig Community Hall and funding for a Royal Deeside food initiative both received financial assistance from the European and Scottish Government funded LEADER programme last month.
Launched in the North East two years ago, it has committed 2.5m across the region. Keig Community Hall has been given over 55,000 towards building an extension.
Sandy Innes, chairman of Keig Community Hall Users' Group said: "Keig is a small but vibrant community which is working hard to raise funds for the proposed community hall extension.
"The award by Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme of 55,556 is a significant vote of confidence in the community and is a major step forward in our fundraising.
"It sends an unequivocal message that the proposed hall extension is a realistic project that merits consideration. By LEADER recognising our efforts in this way, it will hopefully act as a catalyst and encourage other funding agencies to support us."
The Local Action Group (LAG) which oversees delivery of the funding met in June at the recently completed Rothienorman Bowling Club building. The LAG approved nine new projects and committed LEADER funds of 350,000. In Deeside, the Food Tourism Project and the Deeside Sessions received 26,000.
John Carnie tourism development manager for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms DMO said: "Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms DMO is delighted to receive this assistance from LEADER.
"The funding for the projects, many of which are food tourism related, will help drive forward tourism in the area and raise awareness of Royal Deeside as a premier, year round destination.
"It will enable us to deliver the projects to a higher standard and help to increase tourism visits outside the current peak seasons."
LEADER is a rural development programme which aims to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in rural communities through locally driven rural development initiatives and projects.
The Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme was launched in June 2008. Vicky Thomson, LEADER co-ordinator, said: "As in previous funding rounds, we have seen a diverse range of projects coming forward.
"There is a real breadth of expertise and determination in community groups across Aberdeenshire to bring forward projects that will provide community benefit."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Banchory
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
