Youth groups reap the benefits from CalMac Fund

Seventy six youth groups from Campbeltown to Ullapool have all been able to increase opportunities for local young people thanks to CalMac's Community Fund.

The ferry operator's Community Fund enables groups to set up projects that would help break down barriers faced in island and coastal communities.  

The fund was open to any non-profit organisations, registered in a mainland port or island the company serves, delivering projects to benefit the lives of children and young people. Organisations applied for an award of £500 to £2000. 

The projects supported are diverse from woman's football in the Outer Hebrides, to the Campbeltown Sea Cadets, a Gaelic youth club on Skye to community radio station in Millport Primary school. 

Picture shows: Mallaig Primary School Parent Council's award will enable them to organise a Winter Activity Residential where pupils can take part in range of outdoor activities. 

Each application was judged by a screening panel of young people recruited from across the company's network, in partnership with Young Scot and local youth services.

CalMac's 33 strong fleet operates across 28 routes across the west coast.

'The creativity and the imagination that has gone into the projects we've supported so far has really stood out for us. Youth groups are really thinking hard about what they use the fund for that wouldn't other wise happen,' said CalMac's Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Gordon McKillop.

'They have all really captured what the Community Fund is all about, creating opportunities for and benefitting the lives of children and young people.'

'We are excited to see the projects legacies, we are supporting a number of projects that are developing life long skills and positive habits like sport and exercise.' 

CalMac is currently planning for its next round of funding later this year.