Buzzing… Cairngorm beekeepers delighted with National Lottery boost
The strath’s beekeepers are buzzing over their share of the latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Nearly £10,000 is coming to the Spey Beekeepers Association from a pot of £17,341,549 - money directed towards bringing local people together and providing essential services across Scotland.
The beekeepers are using the cash to purchase a container which will become a training centre and storage solution in Aviemore.
Spokesperson Jennifer Lobban said: “We’re delighted at this incredible news. It will make a huge difference to our community engagement. We have now purchased unit and The Spey Valley Championship Golf Course have given us space. We would like to thank David Beardwood, the head greenkeeper and his team for the fantastic support they have given us.”
The association was set up in 2012 to serve beekeepers in the Spey Valley from Laggan to Aberlour and shares its knowledge with everyone of any age: “We can talk about honeybees anytime. We attend children’s groups, schools, nurseries.
“We also visit adult groups to educate about honeybees. Grantown on Spey Grammar School have a bee course for pupils. We also attend local markets and the Grantown Show and Carve Carrbridge.
Also benefitting is the Glenfeshie-based SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, with a £2,500 share enabling 12 young people to engage in rewilding through a five-day residential training course and ongoing one-to-one support.
Headway Highland, who provide support to people with acquired brain injuries, their families and carers, receives £78,102 to continue their programme of group meetings, outings, and activities such as walking and gardening.
The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland chair, Kate Still, said: “As The National Lottery approaches its 30th birthday it’s wonderful to see how the funding continues to help change lives for the better and just what can be accomplished when people join forces for a shared purpose or to support one another.
“National Lottery players should be proud to know the money they raise is supporting people across the Highlands to lead happier and healthier lives.”
Other regional winners include:
• Connecting Carers Improving Lives £117,250 Highland This project will use the funding to continue providing vital Wellbeing Services for unpaid carers. The service will improve the overall wellbeing of carers, enabling them to sustain their caring roles effectively.
• Highland Pride SCIO National Lottery Awards for All Scotland £6,500 Highland This group will use the funding to deliver a Pride Festival in Inverness and the Highlands over the month of June.
• Highland VIP Walking Group National Lottery Awards for All Scotland £6,900 Highland This two year project will deliver activities to people with visual impairment in Inverness and surrounding areas.
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk
