A host of community groups across the Highlands and Islands are celebrating after a cash boost from the legacy of one of Scotland’s best-known business families.
More than £75,000 has been awarded to community organisations in the area and across the north-east through the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation.
The Speyside couple, who led the Fochabers-based Baxters Food Group for more than half a century, left a legacy which provides financial support to a huge variety of good causes. Since 2014, more than £500,000 has been shared between well-managed community groups.
Among the recipients is an innovative Inverness-based initiative called Drake Music Scotland which uses music to help sufferers of stroke recover speech and language skills.
The group will use its £3,000 award to fund the Lost and Found project, which will culminate in a performance at Eden Court later this year.
The Highland Military Tattoo has also been given £2,500 to support young performers.
Sporting groups to benefit include the Highland Wildcats, who have been granted £4,500 this year and the same next year to continue a Young Champions Project, which helps young people in an area of Inverness classed as deprived.
Elsewhere, a village’s dream of creating its first ever play park has taken a step closer to reality with Balloch Village Trust awarded £1,5000.
The Western Isles Association for Mental Health is also in line to receive funding, with £500 awarded to fund a year’s worth of materials for art and writing sessions.
The Eriskay Historical Society will receive £1,000 to purchase equipment for its new base, and the Gairloch Heritage Museum has been pledged £8,000 to kit out an activity room within its planned new cultural and learning centre.