A north-east community group has bagged a £2,000 grant to refurbish a run-down village hall.
Strichen Gala Committee was handed the cash by supermarket giant Asda as part of the latest round of grant giveaways from the Scottish 5p carrier bag levy.
Now the committee will use the funding to install a new heating system at the village’s Ritchie Hall which is used for a host of events and societies meetings in the area.
Last night chairman Stuart Craib said: “The funds will definitely have a positive impact in our local community.
“I was really surprised when we received news about the funding. The committee and the members in the club were over the moon.”
Mr Craib thanked the staff at Asda’s Fraserburgh store for the money and added: “We just want to be able to provide an inclusive and safe environment for families and members of the community to socialise and have fun – we all look forward to the improvements that this funding will enable us to achieve.”
Strichen Hall has been open for 30 years and serves a host of community groups in the central Buchan village including mother and toddler groups, dances, festivals and concerts.
Youth and senior football teams use the facilities along with Women’s Institute and Slimming World. The hall is also used as a polling place during elections and referendums.
Village resident and local MP Alex Salmond added: “The continued efforts of the Strichen Gala Committee to secure this funding have ensured that Asda’s initiative will have a direct and positive impact on the local community.
“I’m delighted to see that the hard work of the committee will benefit the entire village.”