MP tells groups to cash in on coastal fund
Last July the Treasury announced the scheme to provide support to coastal communities and it was launched last month by the National Lottery’s Big Fund.
Groups across the Highlands and Islands have until April 27 to apply for a grant.
John Thurso said that for many years communities in the Far North have seen the money that the Crown Estate raises from the marine estate benefit people in other areas of the country – money that should be supporting jobs and services locally. He said that this should now change.
“The new UK Coastal Communities Fund is a real step in the right direction in this regard and will see local communities directly benefit rather than decisions being made in Edinburgh or London,” the MP said.
“In the longer term I would like to see a more comprehensive reform of the Crown Estate, with far more control of the seabed going directly to the benefit of local communities affected.
“I would certainly encourage all those who think they could benefit from this funding to consider applying.”
John Thurso made the suggestion for a reform to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons last year, and says this fund is a sure sign of progress.
Grants in excess of £50,000 are available to a wide range of groups and organisations seeking to boost economic development, training opportunities and projects which benefit coastal communities.
The fund is made up of 50 per cent of the money raised every year by the Crown Estate’s marine activities.
This year there is nearly £2 million available to communities in the Highlands and Islands.
Application forms for organisations wishing to apply in the 2012-13 financial year are now available via the Big Lottery Fund website – www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/