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

A total of ten cultural projects within the Cairngorms National Park have been awarded grants totaling £65,000 to enhance local heritage and artistic initiatives. This funding comes from the Communities and Cultural Heritage Fund, managed by the Cairngorms Trust, which aims to support community-led projects that celebrate the area’s rich cultural history.

Among the recipients, the traditional boat building project at Kingussie High School and the ‘Spinning Yarns’ exhibition organized by Grantown Museum and Heritage Trust are noteworthy highlights. The grants, ranging from £2,500 to £10,000, reflect the diverse range of applications received, prompting the Cairngorms National Park Authority to contribute an additional £15,000 to the initial £50,000 fund.

Details of the Grant Recipients

The successful projects include:

– **IRL Education CIC:** Received £2,517 for the Kingussie Traditional Boat Building Project, which will involve students in designing and constructing traditional canoes and Spey coracles.
– **Ed Smith Photography:** Awarded £10,000 for the River Spey Project Phase 2, aimed at creating a touring exhibition about the River Spey.
– **Fèis Spè:** Secured £6,900 to purchase a sound desk for use in community events and musical training.
– **Grantown Business Association:** Received £8,674.80 to promote the Grantown Open Studios event, featuring 18 local artists.
– **Grantown Museum and Heritage Trust:** Awarded £6,050 for the ‘Spinning Yarns’ exhibition, showcasing Strathspey textiles and weaving heritage.
– **Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust:** Secured £3,805 to digitize archival material related to the area’s historical ties with Kompani Linge during World War II.
– **Badenoch Waulking Group:** Received £3,375 for a project celebrating 30 years of the group, including a documentary and a day of traditional waulking.
– **Cairngorms Crofters and Farmers Community Ltd:** Awarded £6,672 for a pilot scheme promoting the wellbeing of local crofters and farmers.

Hannah Mitchell from IRL Education expressed gratitude for the funding, 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.”

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

The partnership between the Cairngorms Trust and the Cairngorms National Park Authority was established to encourage community involvement in cultural preservation. Since its inception last autumn, the fund has attracted a considerable response, with 28 applications requesting a total of £170,000 in funding.

Karen Derrick, the new chairwoman of the Cairngorms Trust, noted the impressive array of proposals submitted. She stated, “The Cairngorms Trust is devoted to community-led development, and it is wonderful to see our communities suggesting such a diverse range of proposals. These projects will enable Cairngorms residents to not only preserve and celebrate their culture but spread knowledge of it to wider audiences. We are looking forward to watching these projects take shape over the next year.”

Eilidh Todd, the Communities and Rural Development Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, echoed this enthusiasm. She remarked on the inspiring variety of projects that reflect the community’s commitment to cultural heritage. “From preserving and digitizing precious archival material to supporting young people in learning traditional boatbuilding skills, these initiatives highlight the depth of creativity and dedication to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Cairngorms National Park,” Todd stated.

All funded projects are expected to be completed by February 2027. Additional funding will also be allocated to projects such as the Braemar Local History Group, which will develop an archive website, and the Duff Highlanders Society, which aims to recruit new members and provide uniforms. A further grant of £5,000 will be announced in the near future.