Aberdeenshire Council are encouraging community groups in the Kincardine and Mearns area to take advantage of two grant schemes.

Both the Area Committee Budget and the Regeneration Priority Area Small Village Grant Scheme have funds available for the 2013/14 financial year.

With no possibility of transferring the funds to the next financial year, community groups are being urged to take advantage of the initiatives.

Both funds are aimed at supporting local groups and organisations to realise local projects.

A maximum of £4,000 is available from the area committee budget, while up to £2,500 can be applied for from the regeneration fund. Both can also be used for the same project, ideally as part of a wider funding package within a maximum contribution normally being 50%.

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Monies from the regeneration fund is only available to communities and groups based on the coastal strip.

The funds can be used to support a range of initiatives, including:

• Transport initiatives

• Information and communication

• Environmental projects

• Civic pride and village presentation

• Cultural and historical projects

• Tourism development

• Event development

• Improving community facilities

• Improving community assets and facilities

• Village enhancement

Chair of Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee, Councillor Carl Nelson, said: "These funding schemes can provide vital assistance to local groups who are working on a project which will benefit their local area.

"They are available on such a wide range of projects, I would urge any groups in the Kincardine and Mearns area looking for financial support to get in touch and find out more."

Committee vice-chair, Councillor Peter Bellarby added: "These two funds already support a wide range of projects each year and it is important that they go to benefit as many groups as possible before the end of the financial year.

"The work of community groups and volunteers is so important in Kincardine and Mearns and it is great that these funds are there to helps support that."

(JP/CD)