Ten Cairngorms Projects Receive £65,000 Boost for Cultural Initiatives

Cultural projects across the Cairngorms have received a significant financial boost, with ten initiatives sharing a total of £65,000 from the Communities and Cultural Heritage Fund. The funding supports a variety of local heritage, arts, crafts, and music projects, aimed at preserving and promoting the rich culture of the region.

The Cairngorms Trust has awarded grants ranging from £2,500 to £10,000 to ten selected projects within the national park. Recognizing the high demand for financial support, the Cairngorms National Park Authority contributed an additional £15,000 to the trust’s initial fund of £50,000, enabling more community groups to benefit.

Overview of Funded Projects

Among the notable projects is the traditional boat building initiative at Kingussie High School, which received £2,517. This initiative will allow students to design, build, and launch a traditional canoe, kayak, and Spey coracle, fostering both practical skills and a connection to local heritage.

Another significant recipient is Ed Smith Photography, which secured £10,000 for the second phase of the River Spey Project. This funding will support the creation of an exhibition that will tour communities within the national park, raising awareness of the area’s cultural and environmental importance.

Additional projects include:

– **Fèis Spè**: £6,900 for a sound desk and tutor support for Fèis events.
– **Grantown Business Association**: £8,674.80 for promotional materials for an open studio event featuring 23 artists.
– **Grantown Museum and Heritage Trust**: £6,050 for an exhibition showcasing the area’s weaving heritage through a display of rare Strathspey tartan and floor looms.
– **Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust**: £3,805 to digitize archival materials related to World War II training in the Cairngorms.
– **Badenoch Waulking Group**: £3,375 for a project celebrating the group’s 30th anniversary, including a short documentary and a day of waulking at the Highland Folk Museum.
– **Cairngorms Crofters and Farmers Community Ltd**: £6,672 for a pilot scheme focused on supporting the wellbeing of local farmers and crofters.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

Hannah Mitchell from IRL Education expressed excitement over the funding for the boat building project, stating, “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this support. The funding will enable a group of young people from Kingussie High School to work alongside Badenoch Men’s Shed to build traditional boats, connect with the heritage of the River Spey, develop confidence and practical skills, and have lots of fun while strengthening their connection to their local environment.”

The partnership between the Cairngorms Trust and the Cairngorms National Park Authority was established last autumn. The initiative attracted a total of 28 applications requesting over £170,000, showcasing the community’s commitment to cultural preservation.

Karen Derrick, chairwoman of the Cairngorms Trust, remarked on the impressive array of proposals, emphasizing the importance of community-led development. “These projects will enable Cairngorms residents to not only preserve and celebrate their culture but spread knowledge of it to wider audiences,” she stated.

Eilidh Todd, the Communities and Rural Development Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the creativity and dedication residents have shown in their project proposals. “From preserving and digitising precious archival material to supporting young people in learning traditional boatbuilding skills, these initiatives reflect the depth of creativity and commitment that exists to celebrate, preserve, and share the rich cultural heritage of the Cairngorms National Park,” she said.

All funded projects are expected to be completed by February 2027. Further funding announcements are anticipated, including a £7,300 grant for the Braemar Local History Group to develop a digital archive website, and a £5,000 grant to the Duff Highlanders Society for member recruitment and uniform provision.

The robust support for these initiatives underscores a strong community spirit and a commitment to cultural heritage within the Cairngorms National Park.