Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All has opened two grant schemes which are offering thousands of pounds to groups looking to enhance local paths. The grants, which are offering up to £3000 for community path projects, aim to empower communities to improve access to greenspaces, helping people to be more active more often.
Last year, community groups from across the country successfully applied for grants, allowing them to undertake a variety of projects including clearing routes and improving signage.
This year, funding surgeries will also be held, to help groups make successful applications.
A workshop will be held in Jury’s Inn in Jeffrey Street today (Monday 11 June) between 2 and 8pm.
John Duffy, senior development officer of Paths for All’s Active Environments team said: “We are inviting community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £3000 to create, develop or maintain paths in their local area. Our community path grant schemes aim to create safe, accessible and welcoming environments for everyone to be active.
“In the past, these grants have enabled groups to make small changes that improve people’s everyday lives, allowing them to get outside, enjoy active travel and be in contact with nature.
“There are two grants available – so pick the one that’s best for your group and your area and apply today.”
The Community Path Your Choice grant, a new Paths for All grant scheme supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, is offering up to £1500 to provide groups with the resources they need to upgrade, promote, and maintain path networks near to where they live.
The ‘your choice’ element of this grant means that projects will be entered into a vote to determine which groups receive grants.
The deadline for applications is June 25.
The second grant is the Community Active Travel grant, supported by Transport Scotland.
Community groups can be awarded up to £3000 for a variety of path projects, but they must make it easier for people to walk or cycle as part of their everyday, short journeys.
The deadline for the active travel grant is July 6.
For more information on the grants and funding workshops, visit www.pathsforall.org.uk.