NorthConnect, the developers behind a proposed electricity superhighway connecting the North-East and Norway, set up a fund for the benefit of people in Boddam, Longhaven, Cruden Bay, Peterhead, St Fergus, Mintlaw, Burnhaven, Hatton and the surrounding areas.

Almost £60,000 has been awarded by the Fund to date, with the most recent £10,000 of awards benefiting seven groups in the area.

One of the priorities for the Fund is to support projects which enhance the environment for residents and visitors. £1,500 was awarded to the Russell Community Group to put the finishing touches to a community garden in Boddam which has been transformed from a derelict site by a group of committed local volunteers.

Stan Cordiner, from the group explained: “An ornate and substantial, trellis financed by NorthConnect, will screen the background and enhance the overall appearance of our community garden once the appropriate climbing plants are established.

“Work is underway preparing the ground for plantings for which NorthConnect has kindly provided the finance. A wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers will adorn various areas of the garden which the pupils of Boddam Primary school will be given the opportunity to plant and maintain.”

Other grants awarded include funding for solar panels on Port Erroll Public Hall, a new storage facility at Boddam Harbour and funding to help the recently established Doric TV share the beauty and culture of the area with their viewers from all over the world.

Dr Richard Blanchfield of NorthConnect said: “We are delighted to once again support the communities local to our project, particularly after a year in which the global pandemic has had such an impact on people’s lives.

“Helping local people come together whilst abiding Government guidance, particularly outside in open spaces such as parks and gardens, has been essential to maintaining mental health and quality of life and we are very pleased that we can contribute in some way to that priority.”

The application process was managed by Foundation Scotland, an independent Scottish grant-making charity. The Fund will open for applications again in the late summer of 2021.

Further information can be found here https://www.foundationscotland...