Sea Cadets get a boost from CalMac's Community Fund

Sea Cadets in Campbeltown will soon have access to more varied and challenging training thanks to the support of ferry operator CalMac's new Community Fund.

The unit has been given a grant to help them deliver nautical themed training to help the cadets develop a range of practical life skills that will help prepare them for further education or for moving into the workplace.

Unit treasurer, Ken Watson said: 'As we come from a small rural location, our young people have very limited opportunities.

'The funding from CalMac will allow us to send cadets on offshore voyages, National and Area training which always involves a 300 miles round trip.

'These training events give the cadets the opportunity to experience a wider world, gain valuable life experiences and meet other cadets around the country.' CalMac's Community Fund is open to non-profit organisations involved in activities that will benefit young people aged 26 and under from island or coastal communities the company supports.

Picture shows: Sea cadets Ellie Lowrie (L) and Beth MacPherson show off their Community Fund cheque.

So far the Fund has supported 31 projects across west coast communities.

'The response since we made the first round awards earlier in the year has been fantastic.  We are already seeing the money put to good use in the Western Isles and I'm delighted that we are able to help Campbeltown's Sea Cadets take their training to the next level,' said CalMac's Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Brian Fulton.

Each application was judged by a screening panel of young people recruited from across the company's network, in partnership with Young Scot. Last year CalMac's 33-strong fleet carried more than 5.3 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles to 50 ports and slipways on island and remote mainland locations.

Other awards made in the Southern Hebrides and Kintyre area included the Isle of Jura Development Trust in support of their Jura Basecamp project, to Port Ellen Mothers and Toddlers for their Port Imagination Project, Islay Natural History Trust in support of their Nature Centre Children & Families Activity Programme, support Islay Archers' Archery for All project, to Islay and Jura Youth Action in support of their Movie Club and help for the 1st Tarbert Guide Unit to organise a cultural trip to Belfast.