North-east MSPs have welcomed generous grants from UK funds for charities in their constituencies.
Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald said he was delighted that the Sheddocksley Baptist Church had been awarded £2,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland as it will enable the group to continue running its weekly lunch club for older people in the area.
Every year, the Foundation distributes just under £1 million through its Henry Duncan Awards programme to grassroots charities working in their local communities.
He said: “I’m delighted that Sheddocksley Baptist Church is receiving this grant, enabling it to continue its great work, helping to keep older people in our community hale and hearty.
“Many of the Henry Duncan grants go on existing staff and running costs like this, meaning they are a lifeline for local charities in this tough financial climate.”
Maureen Watt, MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, said she was also thrilled that Tigh A’ Chomainn Camphill and Cults Netball Club had been awarded £15,735 in total from the Big Lottery Fund.
Tigh A’ Chomainn Camphill in Peterculter, which provides a home for adults with special needs, has received a £9,200 Awards For All grant which will be used to fund a feasibility study and business plan to establish if complex needs more accommodation.
Meanwhile, Cults Netball Club has been given a £6,535 Awards For All grant from sportscotland, which they will use to support the team in its first year of operation.
She said: “I am delighted that this funding has been chosen to go to these two very important groups in my constituency.
“Tigh A’ Chomainn Camphill Ltd provides a valuable service for Aberdeen, and an assessment of whether they should expand their accommodation would be both worthwhile both for them and for the community.
“Cults Netball Club is fairly new and I am very glad that they have been given this grant to help them with their start-up costs and promote a fun, team sport. I wish both groups all the very best.”