Community groups from across the north and north-east have been given a slice of National Lottery funding worth more than £1.2million.
Awards for All gives grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together, and in the latest round of funding scores of groups from the Highlands and islands, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen city have been given a boost.
Among the north groups to benefit are Karate Alba, Inverness, who have been given £10,000 to carry out studies to set up a permanent dojo in the area; Lochboisdale Amenity Trust, who were also awarded £10,000 to build an astroturf playing fields in the ball park; and Orkney Athletic Club, who have been awarded £8,300 to replace high jump equipment.
Organisers of the Rannoch Highland Gathering were also awarded £6,500 to help them buy a bespoke weatherproof cover for their dancing platform to help protect both competitors and spectators whatever the weather.
Sporting groups in the north-east have also benefited, with £10,000 awarded to Banchory Trampoline Club for new trampolines, £8,000 to Bucksburn Netball Club for new kit, training equipment and venue hire, and £9,000 for the Royal Tarlair Golf Club to replace rundown toilets and install disabled access to the clubhouse.
Buchanhaven Primary School in Peterhead has also been given a boost of £10,000 to buy stage curtains, audience seats, stage equipment and a loop hearing system to enable the youngsters to get involved in performing arts to put on shows for the community.
In Aberdeen, the Fersands and Fountain Community Project has been given £9,055 to take 24 young people on summer residential trips to Isle of Rassay, Findhorn and other day trip trips around the country.
A spokesman for Awards for All said: “Awards for All proves that the smallest amounts of funding can often make the biggest difference to people’s lives. Whether the money is spent introducing young people to the benefits of fitness and a healthier lifestyle or bringing music to remote parts of the Scottish Borders, these awards really showcase the diversity of the programme.”