Community groups in Moray need not face a brick wall when it comes to obtaining funding for their projects and activities.
That is the view being expressed by the region’s MP, Angus Robertson, this week as he urged more groups to follow the lead of Lossiemouth’s ‘Wall of Rock’ youth music festival by obtaining a Big Lottery Fund grant.
Organisers of the festival, the Lossiemouth Youth Cafe, have successfully applied for and received funding with their 2014 event which takes place on September 5 and 6.
That has allowed them to include additional activities at the free festival, including ‘cage football’ where those attending can have the opportunity to try the sport for free – with a particular focus on young people who do not play football on a regular basis.
[box] “Wall of Rock has had fantastic feedback and has already built a significant fan base for the festival.”[/box]
Now Mr Robertson is encouraging other groups to follow that lead – and warning that applications under the 2014 Communities programme will close next week.
The MP said: “Wall of Rock has had fantastic feedback and has already built a significant fan base for the festival.
“The community related events that run as part of the festival are great for getting young folk involved in new activities including sports and this award will be a great help for the festival organisers.
“I commend the fantastic work that is done in organising the festival, which attracts young folk from near and fear to join in.
“The Big Lottery Fund still has awards to make under the 2015 Communities programme and I would encourage others in Moray to look at making a bid for funding before the fund closes at midday next Friday – August 29.”
More information on eligibility for awards can be found online at: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/scotland/2014-communities.