£45,000 funding boost from new Community Fund
Five community projects have received funding in the first round of grant-making from the newly launched Cockburnspath & Cove Community Fund.
The Fund has brought together existing community benefit funding from 6 local wind farms to make it easier for local groups to access funding, and to support with localised impact. The windfarms include Penmanshiel, Crystral Rig I & II, Ferneylea, Fisherman 3, and Kinegar, and the fund is administered by Foundation Scotland.
In this first round of funding, £45,371 has been awarded to five projects which directly benefit the community of Cockburnspath & Cove.
The Cockburnspath Allotment Association was awarded £18,075 to establish a new Polycrub Polytunnel, expanding indoor growing space for its members and creating educational opportunities for the local primary school pupils to learn about growing their own produce. ReTweed was awarded £9,999 to deliver two intensive skills-based training courses in Cockburnspath, focusing on core skills development, enabling participants to learn about the creativity, innovation and enterprise potential in upcycling.
With a focus on enhancing educational and community opportunities, Cockburnspath & Cove Parent Council received £8,862 to support a program of extra-curricular and additional learning activities. Happy Swimmers was granted £8,000 to provide swimming lessons and technique development for local young people, while Wee Wildings received £429 towards the construction of a beach hut at Coldingham Bay, recognising the value of enriching water-based community facilities used by both Co’Path & Cove residents and other surrounding communities and visitors.
In addition to these five awards, two organisations have also been invited to progress larger-scale applications for more ambitious projects requiring over £20,000 in funding.
It was a successful start for the Fund, which was created to provide funding and support to community groups seeking to improve community life and facilities in Cockburnspath & Cove.
In 2025, the Fund will have four rounds, which will maximise opportunities for groups to apply. All awards will be decided by a Panel of residents who live in Cockburnspath and Cove, who take an interest in local community issues and activities, and who are keen to make a real difference in the community.
Suzie Fletcher, Chair of Cockburnspath & Cove Community and Panel member said:
It’s been an informative and engaging first round for the Fund, as we had applications from a broad range of community projects and are really delighted to be able to support the wonderful work these groups are doing with a cross section of people within our community. We openly encourage new projects that will benefit our local area to work together and we look forward to seeing what comes before the Panel in 2025.
Niome Lucjan, Community Funds Advisor at Foundation Scotland, appreciates the importance of locally available funding:
This first round of funding is a testament to the community's focus on developing projects which will create a positive impact on the local area. The consideration and local insight provided by the Panel, making decisions at the local level, ensures that the community benefit funds filter into community led projects. I look forward to seeing what 2025 has offer in terms of applications and awards. The Community Council of Cockburnspath & Cove has also been a pleasure to collaborate with and I look forward to continuing to support the volunteers who have created the opportunity to make this Fund possible.
Information and the online application forms are available here