During 2023, the Community Action Fund helped support 23 community projects across Argyll (including the islands) with £10,732 of funding from the Association.

The Route 81 Youth Project in Garelochhead, which caters for young people aged 11 to 18, was one of the organisations to receive an award to help fund their four-week summer programme. The funding enabled them to provide a variety of activities such as bubble football, canoeing, and a day at a water adventure park. The group also held a weekly drop-in café and Ready Steady Cook events that provided the young people with the opportunity to do volunteer work, cooking lessons, and the chance to serve lunch to a local community group.

Bute Island Radio, a Rothesay-based community radio station, also received a grant from the Community Action Fund. The station had to relocate earlier in the year and the Community Action Fund grant made it possible to relocate the radio station’s aerial and buy new equipment.

The Community Action Fund also helped the 1st Connel Brownies to take the Brownies away for a weekend trip. The unit of 25 girls, who come from a number of rural villages, had a sleepover at Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre, a tour of the centre and took part in a Sea Life workshop. The weekend helped to build friendships, learn new skills, and gave the girls the experience of being away from home, some for them for the first time.

Cathy Grant, ACHA’s tenant chair, said: “The Association is delighted to be able support local community groups across Argyll and funding is still available for any registered charity organisations that would like to apply.”

Further details on how to apply can be found on ACHA’s website or by phoning 01546 605922.