Community pub among groups sharing in millions of pounds worth of lottery funding

A COMMUNITY pub is among 24 groups who will share in £5.7million pot of lottery funding.

The £5,728,140 of “life-changing” cash has been granted by the Big Lottery Fund to bring local people together and develop happier, stronger relationships with each other.

Among the groups receiving funding on Friday are People United for Banton (PUB) which has been awarded £738,149 to renovate a local pub – the Swan Inn in Banton, North Lanarkshire – into a new community hub.

The redevelopment project hopes to increase the services available in the community, tackle isolation and loneliness particularly among older people and boost economic development.

Catherine Moneypenny, secretary of People United for Banton, said: “Almost two years ago the people of Banton feared losing our only pub, one of our last amenities.

“Now we are buying it. Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund we are set to transform it into the community hub we all want and need.

“In its new incarnation the Swan Inn will house a gorgeous cafe, restaurant, and shop as well as a traditional pub.”

Other groups receiving cash include Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust which has been awarded £148,487 to create a wellbeing hub north of Kilmarnock town centre.

It will involve refurbishing the Old Man’s Cabin, which was acquired from the local council through a Community Asset Transfer, and turning it into a welcoming space for the local community.

Allan Brown, Trustee at Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust, said: “This will make a real difference to the people of Kilmarnock who are experiencing difficulties relating to a variety of issues including mental and physical health.

“We will now be able to provide healthy lifestyle activities on a regular basis to members of the local community including counselling, therapy, motivational sessions, meditation and acupuncture.”

CamGlen Radio will also help local people after receiving an award of £148,907 to continue and develop the community radio station.

Tam Curry, CamGlen co-ordinator, said: “The funding is going to enable us to continue recruiting and supporting local people, no matter their experience, background or barriers, to become fully-fledged members of our broadcast team.

“Our volunteers will learn new skills, become more job ready, improve well-being and have a real sense of purpose as part of a real, full-time radio station, while listeners will benefit from having a local station that is truly representative of the community they live in.”

Maureen McGinn, chairwoman of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, added: “This latest investment of £5.7 million will help communities across Scotland to flourish by bringing local people together.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, thousands of people will gain access to multi-purpose community spaces in their local area which will improve their health and wellbeing.”