More than 30 community groups in the north Highlands have received vital support to help them during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd made available £30,000 of financial help to local groups, anticipating an upsurge in demand during the pandemic.
The money is being distributed by the North Highland Initiative and so far grants awarded have provided a range of support from play packs for vulnerable families across Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross to emergency veterinary care for animals in the care of the Scottish SPCA, as well as food and medicine supplies to households in the greatest need.
It has also helped the Highland Covid-19 Support Guide website and social media pages which promote online activities, help, and advice.
David Whiteford, chairman of the North Highland Initiative, said: “This vital, targeted fund is a means of financial help, aimed at communities that are experiencing particular hardship as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Our aim was, and still is, to identify areas, projects, and local initiatives for which government support packages may not be able to assist, and those ineligible for emergency funding.”
Funding is limited to £1,000 per project so multiple, smaller grants can be made to as many communities as possible.
Steve Young, organisational excellence director at DSRL, said: “I’m delighted that the lives of so many people across the north Highlands will have been made a little easier as a result.”