A £100,000 scheme to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Fraserburgh was officially launched yesterday.
The Your Voice Your Choice initiative gives local groups the opportunity to bid for a chunk of the cash to improve their neighbourhood. The scheme is overseen by the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
The launch, which was held at the town’s JIC Building, follows a successful pilot programme last year.
In 2016 a total of 17 community projects from the north of the town won funding after a public vote. The project has now been extended to cover all of Fraserburgh.
Councillor Anne Allan, chairwoman of the partnership board, said: “We hope the success of last year’s event will inspire people to come forward with projects to improve the lives of people throughout Fraserburgh.
“I would encourage anyone with a project that fits the criteria to apply for a share of the funding.”
One of the successful entrants in last year’s scheme was the Fraserburgh branch of the Sea Cadets who were awarded £8,000 to help pay for a minibus.
Last night members of the contingent were on hand to answer questions at the launch. Commanding officer Craig Trail said: “Since we got the bus we’ve had cadets away almost every other weekend across the country – from Boddam to Edinburgh.
“The kids can get qualifications like first aid, engineering, seamanship and catering.”
Mr Trail added that the scheme opened up “phenomenal” opportunities for the young people involved in Sea Cadets.
To apply for funding, request an application form from yourvoiceyourchoice@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
For more information visit www.yourvoiceyourchoice.scot