LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO BENEFIT FROM BORDERS RAILWAY FUND
- Third round of applications now open!
Local charities and community organisations in Edinburgh can now apply for a share of a £2,500 community fund being offered once again by the Borders Railway project and the Scottish Community Safety Network (SCSN).
This is the third time that the grants have been made available to organisations located in communities alongside the new railway line; 22 local projects benefited from the fund last year.
Those applying can benefit from up to £250 for projects which encourage railway, site or road safety, discourage theft and vandalism or engage with the local community.
Previous beneficiaries include Stow Primary School, which plans to build a temporary educational building in the form of a traditional yurt and the Y2K Bike Project in Midlothian which has delivered bike safety workshops. Funds have also contributed towards the Scottish Border Council’s Inspire Awards which acknowledge the achievements and successes of young people aged 12-25 years living in the region.
Craig Bowman, Senior Communications Manager for the Borders Railway project, said:-“The Borders Railway will have positive benefits for many communities along the route but we’re also aware that there will be some people about potential safety risks. By funding these projects, we’re going some way towards spreading railway safety messages and leaving a positive legacy from project construction.
“We have been really impressed by the diversity of the projects which have benefited previously and we are looking forward to helping support even more local projects throughout this year.”
The aim of the grant scheme is to engage with communities which are located near the new railway and to increase awareness of rail safety.
Mrs Marshall, head teacher of Newtongrange Primary School, which benefited from the community fund last year, said: “The community fund helped supplement existing funding to allow us to improve road and cycle safety around the school. We are all looking forward to using the railway once completed and the fund has been a great way to teach our pupils about railway safety. We encourage others to apply!”
Jacqui Doig, Scottish Community Safety Network Manager, said: “It has been very enjoyable to witness the progress of last year’s projects. They have provided lots of opportunities for the community to come together and learn more about the Borders Railway. We wish applicants the very best of luck.”
Projects can apply for up to £250.00. Applications must be submitted before Friday 14th March 2014. For more information on the grant please contact info@scsn.org.uk
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