Two sports projects in Badenoch and Strathspey to share nearly £15,000
Kingussie Camanachd has welcomed a £10,000 funding boost for the second phase of their plans for a community sports venue.
It is one of two community projects in Badenoch and Strathspey have been awarded nearly £15,000 between them.
The Badenoch and Strathspey Schools Snowsports Association run snowsports programme which gives senior local primary school children a chance to learn to ski or snowboard will get a £4,068 boost.
Funding for both projects was agreed at a quickfire special meeting of the local area committee held virtually.
It is 're-purposed' money from the local share of the local authority's Place Based Investment Fund.
John Robertson, Kingussie Camanachd club project officer, said: "It is great news indeed for the Kingussie Community that £10,000 has been allocated to phase two of the project to upgrade the Market Stance Playing Field.
"The improvements can now start within the next month and the cub is delighted that the funding is falling into place.
"The club is leading the project and has now signed a 25-year lease for the playing field.
"The upgrade of the facility will benefit the entire community and secure a good quality recreation and sports area for the whole town.
"We are very grateful to the Place Based Investment Programme and to the benefit it is providing to the wellbeing of the local population."
The work will see perimeter fencing and floodlighting installed as well as the purchase of a second hand sit on mower.
The total cost is £173,259 with other funds coming in from Sportscotland, the Community Ownership Fund, community and club fundraising and Highland Council’s Place Based Investment Programme.
The funding was agreed on the nod by the four local councillors at the school meeting.
Meanwhile local councillor Muriel Cockburn said the schools' ski programme was to be commended.
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Fellow member John Bruce presumed that the tuition was on a first come first served based but was told by council officials that all local P7 pupils would benefit.
The money which was unanimously approved will help fund travel costs to Cairngorm Mountain where the programme takes place.
Councillor Russell Jones, chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee, described it as a 'great project' and one he was pleased could be supported.
He said afterwards: “We are delighted to have been able to approve the re-purposing of funds from the Covid-19 and Place Based Investment Fund to assist two fantastic projects within the ward.
“Both projects will deliver tangible benefits to not only our young people but our communities in Badenoch and Strathspey.”
He added: “The school skiing project and the Kingussie Camanachd Project both represent hope and positivity going forward.
"The health, well-being and social benefits they will deliver are crucial as we continue our recovery from Covid-19.”
Councillor Cockburn said afterwards: "I am delighted that both applications succeeded. I commend the P7 skiing initiative. This is a wonderful example of people supporting our young people."
Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd has pledged to support the BSSSA and will cover the costs of ski passes and equipment hire for school children participating in the project who require it.
The ski tuition costs for the project are being covered by BSSSA and will be provided for all-abilities.