Organisations in Peterhead and nearby communities have secured more than £385,000 in the latest round of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Peterhead Local Fund awards.

In this second round, £385,324.94 has been allocated to initiatives spanning employability and skills, anti-poverty work, mental health and wellbeing, environmental action, community regeneration and STEM education. Over four years to 2029, the EGL2 Peterhead Local Fund will provide £2,159,444 to the local area. More than £420,000 was awarded in the first round last year as part of the UK's biggest ever electricity transmission project.

Nine organisations have been supported: Aberdeen Foyer (£115,000) to grow the Opportunity Hub for youth support, skills development and employability; Aberdeenshire North Foodbank (£48,559.14) to establish a Peterhead Foodbank and Anti-Poverty Hub offering emergency food, advice pathways, volunteering and coordinated support; Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust (£29,711) to give vulnerable children and young people access to watersports that build confidence and support mental health; Aberdeenshire Sma Wids (£25,000) to plant native small woodlands and hedgerows that enhance biodiversity, capture carbon, create habitats, boost wellbeing and build climate resilience through community-led action.

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Further awards include GCRA Ltd, trading as Grampian Heart and Health (£14,056) to recruit and train instructors for cardiac rehabilitation classes and healthy living education; Mintlaw Academy Parent Council (£13,858.80) to purchase a laser cutter so pupils can develop industry-relevant skills while producing resources, awards and commemorative items for the community; Peterhead Area Community Trust (£45,000) to fund a Development Officer to strengthen capacity, deepen engagement and advance regeneration projects; Shirley's Space (£50,000) to expand community-based mental health services and support their sustainability; and TechFest (£44,140) to deliver STEM outreach in primary schools, secondary school project days and free community activities for young people and families.

Fionán Doonan, Eastern Green Link 2 Project Director, said: "We're delighted to announce the latest awards from the Eastern Green Link 2 Peterhead Local Fund, with more than £385,000 going to nine fantastic projects across Peterhead and the surrounding area.

"What is particularly encouraging is the range of projects being supported, led by organisations that know their communities best and can make a real impact for local people.

"We're continuing to make strong progress on EGL2, with construction advancing in Peterhead. Alongside that progress, the project is already delivering wider benefits locally through investment in skills and education, community initiatives and volunteering, as well as our dedicated Local Fund.

"EGL2 is a major investment in our electricity transmission network and, alongside delivering this nationally important infrastructure, we want to ensure the project leaves a lasting, positive legacy for the communities closest to our works."