Andrew is today urging local community groups to submit bids to the Community Ownership Fund. His call comes after the UK Government opened the second round of the fund, worth £150 million.
The first round saw six groups in Scotland share more than £1.2 million. Andrew has called on community groups to come together to bid for funding to help support the buildings that mean the most to them in Aberdeenshire.
The eligibility criteria for the fund has also been extended meaning more groups can apply.
Andrew said; “The first round helped save much-loved assets across Scotland and I would encourage community groups in Aberdeenshire to bid.
“If there is a local centre or key part of your community at risk, an award can help to safeguard it.
“Successful bids can enable pubs, music venues, sports facilities, and historic buildings thrive once again, as well as helping accelerate the economic recovery here.
“The Community Ownership Fund is just one example of how the UK Government is directly investing and supporting communities in Aberdeenshire."
Potential applicants can submit their interest here:
The fund has been updated to widen eligibility criteria, including removing the requirement that assets have had a use within the last five years and will now consider any asset which has had a previous community use, massively expanding the projects eligible to apply.
Applicants who have a minimum of a 15-year lease on an asset would now also be considered for funding. Previously, leases were restricted to a minimum of 25 years.
