Community Transport grant reminder

A grant scheme run by Orkney Islands Council aimed at helping community groups tackle isolation and improve connectivity through transport closes for applications on 1 February.

The purpose of the Community Transport Grant Scheme 2019-2020 is to assist constituted community groups and trusts, with the objective of delivering transport services when or where no conventional public transport services are available.

The Council’s Transportation Manager, Naomi Bremner, said: “The grant scheme is one way the Council can support communities to boost social interaction and connectivity in ways tailored to their unique circumstances.

“There are limited funds available during financial year 2019-2020, and the scheme is usually in high demand, so we’d urge anyone interested to contact us to chat through any ideas they have in advance of making an application.”

The scheme doesn’t fund community transport projects in their entirety, with Community Groups and Trusts expected to raise part of the cost of running transport projects themselves.

Examples of projects could include, but are not limited to:

• A dial-a-ride service.
• Community taxi scheme.
• Community bus or ferry services.

Applications are assessed according to the award criteria stated within the application form, which is available by contacting the Council’s Transportation Service, on transport@orkney.gov.uk or by telephone on 01856873535. Applications close at 12:00 (midday) on 1 February 2019.