Scatwell Community Association bowled over by funding support
Scatwell Community Association received an award of £1,550 from the EDF Renewables Corriemoillie Wind Farm Community Fund for Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon to purchase indoor bowling equipment.
The EDF Renewables Corriemoillie Wind Farm Community Fund for Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon launched in 2019 as part of the EDF Renewables Corriemoillie Wind Farm Community Fund.
The recent awards made by the fund have focussed on support for individuals through cost-of-living vouchers and help for local children to attend trips and activities. However, this case study highlights the potential for the fund to support community activity and enhance quality of life in a rural area.
The Scatwell Community Association, established in 2014, leases the old sawmill building from Scatwell Estate, which they have renovated enough to use as a venue for a range of community events, intended to bring local people together and foster community spirit.
The building is basic, but they have made significant repairs, and the building now has an electricity and water supply. This has meant a variety of regular community events can be held there including games nights, 'craft and craic' sessions and seasonal community gatherings such as Burns Night and Christmas celebrations. In the last year, approximately 100-150 people have accessed the events held there, all of them free of charge.
In 2024, the Scatwell Community Association was awarded funding to purchase indoor carpet bowling equipment, including underlay for the uneven floors and a starter kit comprising a carpet, bowls and a centre block.
The aim is to offer the community a new opportunity for social interaction, help to foster community spirit and alleviate isolation, particularly amongst the older generation.
Although the bowling will be just for fun, without a competitive element, they are considering reaching out to the Marybank bowling group to set up some friendly meetings and games between the two groups.