Communities across the north-east have received a timely festive funding boost – and now it’s time to party.
The £575,000 Big Lottery Celebrate Fund was launched after a survey revealed six out of ten people could not remember ever coming together to enjoy themselves with their community.
And now, two north-east MSPs, Lewis Macdonald and Mike Rumbles, have welcomed the news that four Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire-based projects have received cash through the national funding programme.
The Polish Association Aberdeen will use their £3,700 award to host a series of events celebrating the history and culture of Poland, while Sunnybank Community Centre Association has been awarded £4,925 to support a project celebrating the cultures of people living in the area.
Sunnybank development manager, Wilma Mackland, revealed the money will be spent on a Doric event. She said: “We are calling it ‘The north-east meets the world’ and it will include more from our street knitters and Doric lessons for everyone.”
Mr Macdonald added: “Both the Polish Association Aberdeen and Sunnybank Community Centre have done great work in their respective communities to make people moving to Aberdeen from other countries feel welcome.
“This support will allow them to continue that good work, and to continue celebrating the benefits migration has brought to Aberdeen.”
Mr Rumbles congratulated Victoria and Albert Halls in Ballater and Deveron Arts in Huntly who together pocketed £10,000 from fund.
The former organisation will use its £5,000 funding to celebrate the New Year with an event for the local community.
Meanwhile, Deveron Arts Ltd held a celebration event on December, 3 called ‘Town is the Venue’, run in parallel with the group’s 21st birthday and featuring talks, walks and banner-making activities.
Mr Rumbles said: “I’m delighted for the Victoria and Albert Halls and Deveron Arts, because both have been doing a great job for their communities and fully deserve this funding boost.
“I am sure the planned events will be a highlight of the season and something to look forward to over the winter months.”