Committee agrees new category for Duncraig Educational Trust Scheme

In reviewing the Duncraig Educational Trust Scheme, Members of the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Committee have agreed the introduction of a new third category of awards to local training clubs and organisations.

Grants are currently for elite and talented athletes, and for specialist courses in arts, language, heritage, science and the environment. It can include fees, travel, and specialist equipment.

In order to allow greater access to funding, Ward 5 members have agreed to increase to the following 3 categories:

• Sports (14-25 year old individuals)

• Further and higher education (16-25 year old individuals)

• Local training clubs and organisations (for the main benefit of those aged 14-25)

They also agreed changes to the current criteria which will now be as follows:

Funding is targeted specifically to help young people with exceptional merit, attainment and promise to achieve their potential through specialist post-school training. Funding may have regard to the financial and other circumstances of the applicant.

• Priority is given to young people who have been selected to attend specialist institutions which primarily deliver vocational and practical training or mainstream academic studies which have a focus on one or more of the council’s five priorities:

• A Fair and Caring Highland.
• Resilient and Sustainable Communities.
• Accessible and Sustainable Highland Homes.
• A Sustainable Highland Environment and Global Centre for Renewable Energy.
• A Resilient and Sustainable Council.

Grant applications which encourage the use of Gaelic language and Highland culture are also welcomed.

Committee Chair Cllr Liz Kraft said: “The Duncraig Trust Scheme was last reviewed in 1999 so last year our Committee asked officers to review it and report back. We are pleased to make these changes to the Trust scheme to include an extra category and adjust the criteria to add more flexibility and access to funding support for applicants.”

Duncraig Educational Trust members have agreed that the allocation of grants will continue to be made by Officers and not by Ward Members.