5p carrier bag charge pays off for volunteers

Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Villages Group and Lanark Community Development Trust were among the recipients of the £250 Community Grant, which allowed them to become further involved in the local environment, make a sustainable difference, and improve outdoor experiences in their community.

The grant helped Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Villages Group to work with local primary schools in designing a poster for their Clean Up day and buy long term Clean Up equipment. As a result, the group managed to place the community at the heart of its Clean Up plans, involve a variety of local residents in its efforts and raise awareness of the environmental challenges on their own doorstep.

The Lanark Community Development Trust’s efforts were bolstered by the grant, which helped them to transform a neglected area into a popular local walk. The Trust were able to purchase a willow tunnel, commission wood carvings and support the creation of paths at the new Fairy Dell walk in Castlebank Park.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “One year on from the introduction of the single use carrier bag charge, Keep Scotland Beautiful has supported communities, businesses and other organisations to make small improvements to their local environment.

“The Community Grant Scheme has supported over 200 projects across Scotland.

“We are delighted to put the money collected from Tesco customers to good use and support projects to improve local environmental quality for their own community.

“Keep Scotland Beautiful is proud of the positive impact the Community Grant Scheme has had, and is having, on communities throughout Scotland.”

For further information on projects funded by the grant see www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/community-projects/community-grants-scheme/about/