Funding bids invited

A trust fund is inviting applications for support towards educational projects that benefit people in Orkney.

The Orkney Islands Council General Charitable Trust manages funds that were bequeathed by individuals and families for good causes.

Grants can be awarded by the Trust to help projects that advance and promote educational activities.

“A broad range of activities of this kind can be assisted,” said Council Convener Harvey Johnston, the Chair of the Trustees.

“Examples include academic research, help towards gaining experience of a trade, assistance with educational travel costs outwith Orkney, or support for individuals or groups involved in music and drama projects.

“If you are involved with a project of an educational nature, that isn’t covered by day-to-day school or college budgets, why not get in touch and find out if you could benefit from funding from the trust?”

Recent awards include a £50 grant to the Westray Golf Club that went towards the purchase of equipment used to train young golfers.

“Young people come along once a week for training sessions in the summer,” said ladies’ captain Margaret Hutchison.

“It’s been a very successful project for the club. Our course is in great shape, our membership is flourishing – and quite a number of those members are juniors who started their golf by training with us.”

Papa Westray Primary benefitted from a £100 grant that helped fund a make-over of the shed that houses the school’s three alpacas.

“It was created using an old storage container and was in need of a good clean-up and repaint,” said head teacher Verity Branscombe.

“The alpacas are an important part of the school croft and the children get involved every year in washing, carding, dyeing and even spinning their beautiful soft fleeces.

“The shed looked fantastic after we painted it green. The alpacas were very grateful and so were we!”

To find out more about the Orkney Islands Council General Charitable Trust – and how to apply for grant aid - contact Avril Litts by email or by phone on 01856873535 extension 2117.