COMMUNITY GROUPS IN MORAY are in celebration mode after securing a share of £75,000 from the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation.
A dozen worthy local causes are to receive awards from the legacy left by the couple, who led Baxters Food Group for more than half a century.
Their legacy gives financial support to a huge variety of worthy and well-managed projects across the Highlands and Islands and North East.
In the latest round Moray recipients include Cullen Sea School, which has been awarded £5000 towards the establishment of an accredited boat building course for pupils at Buckie High School.
Friendly Access Surfable Scotland will use their award of £4763 to purchase a beach wheelchair and tandem surfboard to ensure people of all abilities can access the sport.
Elsewhere, Dufftown and District Community Council has been awarded £2000 towards play equipment at Tininver Park. That was identified as a top priority during a community engagement exercise led by local people.
An award of £2500 will help the Portessie Public Hall committee create a new storage facility, and the Highland Military Tattoo will benefit to the same tune. Traditional music will also be bolstered, with the Moray Youth Pipes and Drums tuition scheme in line for £2500 and Piping at Forres receiving £1000 this year and the same in 2018.
Other Moray initiatives that will benefit are the Scottish Wildcat Project, a transitional project at Milne’s High, the Moray MS Community Support Group and the newly-formed Speyfest Young Entertainer Roadshow.
Trustees of the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation were delighted by the quality of applications received and the diversity and innovation of sustainable initiatives showcased.
Foundation manager Kay Jackson said: “The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation gives money to those making a positive difference in their communities and we were left in no doubt just how huge an impact these projects will have.
“We are proud to continue the Baxter family tradition of helping worthy causes in the area and would like to congratulate all those involved and thank them for their inspirational work.”
Since 2014, more than £500,000 has been awarded to groups from across the North and North East. The Foundation awards funds twice a year, helping those working in arts and heritage, care, conservation and the environment, education, health and sports.
Enquiries are now welcome for the October funding round and anyone interested can visit www.gordonandenabaxterfoundation.com for more information before contacting Kay for an initial discussion by email at kay@gordonandenabaxterfoundation.com or on 01343 822599.