Communities in Helensburgh and Lomond will receive a funding boost from the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme. The scheme is  co-chaired by Argyll and Bute Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, Councillor Maurice Corry and Commander Ian Riches, Base Executive Officer at HM Naval Base Clyde. 

Grants to be awarded are : A Healthy Outlook at Cardross Primary School  £3,610; Cove and Kilcreggan Youth Café  £30,000; Helensburgh and Lomond Carers  £6,500.

Commander Riches said, “Councillor Corry and I are delighted that Argyll and Bute has yet again benefitted from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme.  The scheme has brought in close to £400,000 into Argyll and Bute for many different projects that benefit the integration of armed forces personnel and their families as well as veterans into the communities of the region.  The support that the council gives our families is superb and we look forward to continuing to work together in developing the Armed Forces Covenant in the region.”

Councillor Corry said, “This grant scheme is a tremendous idea and gives a real cash boost to communities. It extends into every area of community life and at every level of interest.

“The members of the board were very impressed with the standard of the bids presented and the hard work put in by all seven applicants. We passed seven applications for funding through to the Scottish regional board in Stirling where I am delighted to say four of them were awarded funding.”

Community groups, including charities, schools and volunteer groups, can submit applications for awards between £100 and £250,000. These grants can be used for a range of projects which meet the aims of the covenant – for example bringing together armed forces families with others in their communities, or exhibitions explaining what a local armed forces unit has been doing.