Community groups in Buchan have been celebrating after being given grants from an energy company to help support their activity.

NorthConnect, the developers behind a proposed electricity superhighway connecting the North-East and Norway, set up a fund for the benefit of people in Boddam, Longhaven, Cruden Bay, Peterhead, St Fergus, Mintlaw, Burnhaven, Hatton and the surrounding areas. Over £63,500 has been awarded by the Fund to date, with the most recent awards benefiting four groups in the area.

One of the priorities for the Fund is to support projects which enhance the environment for residents and visitors. Boddam and District Community Council were awarded two grants; one to help install additional Christmas lights in Boddam; and one to install an interpretation board, which is part of footpath improvements along the coastline being developed in partnership with Boddam Estates, Aberdeenshire Council and Naturescot. Completion of the full walk will require planning permission and securing additional funds.

Fiona James, from the Community Council explained:

" The grants are going to make such a difference to Boddam. Currently we feel a bit like the forgotten village when it comes to Christmas lights. Boddam only has six. The grant allows us to look at adding at least five new lights along the entrance to Boddam.

The interpretation board will have a map, highlighting our cliff side walk and telling a story about the history and wildlife around the area. Currently there is nothing to show a visitor where the actual path is, and so it is rarely used.

Other grants awarded include funding for Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust to run their sailing club for young people with disabilities; funding materials for Mintlaw and District Men’s Shed volunteers to build new gates, which will improve access to the Men’s Shed; and funding for Full Colour Coaching to deliver one to one coaching sessions with school pupils.

Dr Richard Blanchfield of NorthConnect said:

“We are delighted to once again support the communities local to our project. The pandemic has brought into sharp relief what’s important in our communities, particularly around issues of mental health, and I hope that the NorthConnect Legacy funding will help strengthen their resilience and bring some joy, especially at Christmas time.”

The application process was managed by Foundation Scotland, an independent Scottish grant-making charity.

For further information please contact:

Bea Jefferson, Community Fund Coordinator, Foundation Scotland, 07554 695 152, bea@foundationscotland.org.uk