Applications invited for Ross port cash handout

MORE than £16,000 was donated to local good causes by the Port of Cromarty Firth through its community sponsorship programme in 2017.

Launched a number of years ago, the programme sponsors a variety of different community projects and clubs and the 2017 recipients included the Cromarty Rowing Club, Cash Explore Easter Ross, Invergordon Boat Club, Invergordon Seafarers and the Cromarty Archaeology Project.

In 2017, the Port also committed to providing £10,000 per annum, for the next three years, to the Ross Sutherland Rugby Club.

This funding will allow the club, which has the largest catchment of any sports club in the UK, to expand its youth development activities and run more girls’ rugby sessions. This support has helped to secure development opportunities, including the employment of two local coaches and a full-time rugby development officer.

Nearly £1000, was pledged to the Cromarty Firth Men’s Shed, which will allow for the maintenance and renovation of two community log cabins. The first initiative will be to provide fresh water and toilet facilities. Set in Milton Woodland, the Men’s’ Shed programme provides a meeting place for older men and helps to promote physical and mental wellbeing. The Port now plans to work with the Cromarty Firth Men’s Shed group in 2018.

The Port has also made a further three year commitment pledging £1000 annually to the Lord Lieutenant’s Youth Award, which recognises young people for outstanding achievements in spite of challenging circumstances or restrictions. Past winners have included those who face mental or physical challenges or who have sacrificed time to care for a relative.

Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: "We are delighted to work closely with the communities that border the Firth. The 2017 list was very varied and we enjoy reading the submissions and learning more about the important work that goes on in the area. We look forward to hearing from organisations, old and new, and seeing what opportunities 2018 will bring."

Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support from the fund.

They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter email of support from their local community council.

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis and the deadline for submissions are the last day of March, June, September and December. Application forms are available from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk

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