A scheme which will invest £100,000 to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents has been unveiled in Peterhead.
The Your Voice Your Choice initiative will give community associations the chance to bid for a chunk of the cash to improve their neighbourhoods. The project is managed by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
The launch, which was held at the town’s Apex Centre, follows on from a successful pilot programme and a similar scheme in Fraserburgh.
Speaking at the event, fisherman John Buchan, a star of the popular TV series, Trawlermen, said: “This is an exciting initiative where decisions on which projects get funding are made, not by politicians, but by the people who will benefit the most – the people who live in Peterhead.”
Mr Buchan was joined by successful applicants from last year, including Clan Cancer Support and the local branch of the Men’s Shed.
Peterhead councillor, Anne Allan, the chairwoman of the partnership board, urged “anyone with a project that fits the criteria” to lodge funding applications.
One of the successful entrants in the Fraserburgh scheme was the local branch of the Sea Cadets who were handed £8,000 to pay for a minibus. Commanding officer Craig Trail said the move opened up “phenomenal” opportunities for young people in the area.
Residents of Peterhead will have the opportunity to decide which projects gain funding at a special public vote on June 24.
For more information, visit www.yourvoiceyourchoice.scot
