The Orkney Fund invests over £450k in community projects

The Orkney Fund Board has approved £461,528 of funding for community projects across Orkney - marking the first time capital grants have been awarded through the programme.

On Hoy, the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust secured £50,000 toward a new visitor centre, as part of a wider project to restore and develop a site that has preserved over 150 years of maritime heritage.

The St Magnus International Festival secured £28,500 toward a new modular staging and lighting system, which will be available to hire by community groups, schools and event organisers across Orkney – reducing the need to source expensive equipment from mainland suppliers.

Papdale East Playpark Association received £50,000 toward phase four of a community playpark in Kirkwall – a project shaped by the young people who will use it, and backed by over £30,000 raised by the local community.

Lauren Currie, Treasurer of the Papdale East Playpark Association, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this funding. It will allow PEPA to give back to the community who have supported us throughout this journey, while creating an amazing playpark that will benefit local people for years to come.”

Stephen Hagan, Chair of the Orkney Fund Board, said: "We received 30 applications for our first capital round - and the range and quality of projects put forward really does reflect the best of Orkney.

"Whilst we couldn't fund every application in this round, I want to thank everyone who submitted an application or expression of interest. This is the first year of a ten-year programme – as more funding becomes available, we will be looking to support larger projects across heritage, regeneration, sports facilities and beyond, with many more opportunities to come.”

Funded Projects