Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has spent one of the first days of the Scottish Parliament’s summer recess visiting a range of local community projects that have benefited from Lottery funding. Her tour, accompanied by Big Lottery’s Public Affairs Manager in Scotland, John Duncan, took her to St Bride’s Community Centre in Douglas, Carstairs Bowling Club, and the Clydesdale Befrienders group in Lanark.

The St Bride’s Centre has received a range of grants from the Lottery over the years, culminating in a grant of over £100,000 to allow complete refurbishment of the building for community use.  At the other end of the spectrum, Carstairs Bowling Club received £500 from the Lottery’s ‘Awards for All’ Scheme to invest in some new equipment and organise a series of open days and tour of local schools to promote bowling.  Clydesdale Befrienders has benefited from around £250,000 over three years to provide services supporting people with learning disabilities in the community. 

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said: 

“It is incredible to see the difference that Lottery funding can make to communities on the group.  Groups across the South of Scotland area have been able to benefit from grants of all sizes which have helped improve opportunities for people in their communities. 

“All three of these projects are inspiring in their own way.  There are certainly lessons for other community halls in the way that the community in Douglas has got behind the St Brides’ Centre.  Carstairs Bowling Club is reaching out to new audiences with its grant, and of course the Clydesdale Befrienders are well-known for the hugely important and transformative work they do. 

“Even though Parliament’s in recess, I’ve got a very full diary over the summer, and hope to be able to meet as many constituents and community groups as possible on visits like this, at area shows, and special surgeries.”