Community fund launched to support local Scottish groups
Launched by Scotland's Railway, the fund aims to help local groups across Scotland turn their ideas into reality, with grants of up to £3,000 available for projects that support the economy, promote equal opportunities, or improve wellbeing.
The fund was launched on June 20 at Keir Hardie Memorial Primary School in Motherwell, which previously benefited from similar support to create outdoor learning and play spaces for pupils.
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Liam Sumpter, managing director of Network Rail Scotland, said: "Connecting people is about more than building the right infrastructure.
"Our dedicated community teams get right into the heart of communities, finding out what matters to local people, and helping to deliver positive change.
"This new fund empowers local groups to address their specific needs that might otherwise go unfunded.
"Whether it's refreshing community spaces, supporting young people, or launching environmental initiatives, we look forward to playing a part in their success."
The fund is part of Network Rail's broader social value strategy, which also includes volunteering, school partnerships, and safety programmes.
It is supported by partners including Story Contracting Ltd, AmcoGiffen, QTS, Siemen, VolkerRail, Taziker, Rail Systems Alliance, and SPL Powerlines.
The fund will be managed and distributed by Foundation Scotland.
Helen Wray, head of philanthropy and quality at Foundation Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Network Rail with the delivery of their new Rail Community Fund.
"This partnership will help channel small grants to communities across Scotland, enabling local groups to deliver meaningful projects that strengthen community connections and bring positive change."
The first application cycle opens on July 28, with successful applicants to be announced in early November.
Eligible groups can apply through the Foundation Scotland website.
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The Herald Scotland
42 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
From Hong Kong to Kirkcaldy: Meet Scotland's new Street Food Champions
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Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Defence Scotland: SNP told to urgently rethink 'mad' strategy as internal fears grow
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UK to boost defence spending With Sir Keir Starmer's UK government committing to spend 5 per cent of its GDP on defence by 2035, the SNP has come under intense pressure to shift its long-held opposition to spending public funds on the 'manufacture of weapons or munitions', with a perception Scottish ministers are turning their back on the wider defence industry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is understood Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who also holds the economy brief, is keen for a rethink on her government's and her party's position. The Prime Minister visited the BAE shipyard in Govan earlier this month to announce his strategic defence review, with an ambition to 'build a fighting force that is more integrated, more ready, more lethal than ever' and 'innovate and accelerate innovation to a wartime pace'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a visit to BAE Systems in Govan, Glasgow, to launch the strategic defence review. Picture: Andy Buchanan/PA Wire Sir Keir also stressed he was 'using this moment to drive jobs and investment', including six new munitions factories and 1,000 new jobs. The Faslane submarine facility on the Clyde will receive £250m of investment as part of a UK government boost announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves's spending review. Row over welding investment Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last month, it emerged the economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, refused to support plans for a new specialist welding centre over fears it could be used to support the building of Royal Navy submarines. Ferguson Marine, which SNP ministers nationalised in 2019, has taken on contracts to construct Royal Navy vessels. The Scottish National Investment Bank, set up by SNP ministers in 2020, 'does not invest in organisations that are primarily engaged in the manufacture of munitions or weapons'. 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Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh should note these 13 words and I had to laugh about one fan nickname
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