The first round of funding through the Communities and Place Fund will support a series of projects which will help bring about positive change.

Grants ranging from £7,600 to £25,000 will be distributed to a range of groups from the fund which has been allocated to North Ayrshire through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which replaces European funding.

The successful applicants are:

• The Ayrshire Community Trust - £25,000 to deliver a bespoke programme of support for people living in deprived communities, aimed at people who may be experiencing financial hardship, isolation and loneliness.
• Beith Community Development Trust - £21,100 funding towards the renovation of Geilsland House, as part of the wider redevelopment of the Geilsland Estate.
• Scottish Maritime Museum - £10,600 to kick start the programme of community engagement by the Museum with a member of staff being employed to increase the interactions between the local community and the museum alongside offering volunteering opportunities.
• Irvine Community Sports Club - £23,000 to extend the current Time to Talk: About You programme of mental health and wellbeing in Irvine.
• North Ayrshire Table Tennis Club - £10,200 to purchase equipment for the group as they progress to develop a table tennis centre in North Ayrshire.
• Beith Playpark Action Group - £13,086 towards a zip-wire in Orr’s Park, Beith.
• Irvine Tennis Community- £25,000 funding towards the new clubhouse as part of the wider Irvine Tennis Club redevelopment.
• Kildonan Hall & Improvements Committee - £24,716 funding for the full site preparation and foundations of the new Kildonan Community Shop & Café.
• Dalry Community Sports Club - £7,628 grant towards new and upgraded lighting in Dalry Public Park.
  The overarching objective of the Shared Prosperity Fund is to build pride in local communities and increase life chances of local residents.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy at North Ayrshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the recipients of the first round of funding through the Communities and Place Fund.

“The aim of the fund is to help restore pride in our communities and build resilient, healthy and safe neighbourhoods and we’re in no doubt that the successful projects will make a real difference and help foster positive changes in our communities.”