Two weeks after receiving the necessary funding to purchase Glenfinart Walled Garden, Ardentinny Community Trust Ltd. has received additional grants from the Scottish Government, European Community & Argyll & The Islands LEADER 2007-2013 programme and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) to fund a self-employed, part-time Project Officer to support the board of directors to develop a social enterprise. The total value of this contract is £10,000, to which the Trust contributed £1,000,with the remaining £9,000 coming from LEADER (50%) and HIE (50%), respectively.
The successful candidate will identify funding sources, prepare funding applications and supporting information, including community consultations and engagement, and will update the Business Plan as the funding package develops. Applicants need to have experience of fundraising, community engagement and work in the public, private and third sectors. The closing date for applications is 26 October, 2011. The contract is currently being advertised in the Dunoon Observer & Argyllshire Standard, on www.ardentinny.org and on other websites.
Additional funding has also been secured from the Scottish Government, European Community & Argyll & The Islands LEADER 2007-2013 programme (£6,295) and The Big Lottery’s Awards for All programme (£2,000) which, together with £3295 from Ardentinny Trust, will help with other start up costs, e.g.,the provision of a storage facility, tools etc.
Trust Convenor, Dennis Gower, said ‘It is very heartening to see our Glenfinart Garden project garnering such support and, as the news spreads, we receive even more expressions of encouragement and offers of help.’
This weekend the Trust is participating in the Cowalfest programme by welcoming walkers to Glenfinart walled garden at 10.30 and 13.00 on Saturday 15th October. There, they will be welcome to view the garden in its present state and receive information on the project’s progress and future plans.
