Community Transport funding reminder

Orkney Islands Council is reminding folk that applications to its Community Transport Small Grant Scheme for 2024/25 closes this weekend.

Funding of up to £10k is available to Community Groups and Trusts towards transport projects which help connect communities to services and to social opportunities.

Projects to benefit during 2023/24 include newly established community transport services in Rousay, Stronsay and North Ronaldsay (through Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust; Stronsay Development Trust; and North Ronaldsay Trust respectively).

The fund has also supported the continuation of a community transport service in Hoy with an extended service to connect with the Moaness ferry (Island of Hoy Development Trust), continued operation of the out of hours ferry for Shapinsay (Shapinsay Development Trust) and Papa Westray (Papay Development Trust) for social and leisure activities.

The number of eligible projects in 2023-24 far exceeded the Community Transport budget available.

Match funding to make up the shortfall and safeguard the projects came from the Council’s Sustainable and Green Transport Fund – this is a pot fed by ticket income from the subsidised public bus services and is to be used specifically for improvements to local transport including additional services.

The scheme is expected to be in similarly high demand this round, and groups are therefore encouraged to discuss potential applications with the team.

Contact OICs Transportation Service on 01856 873535 or e-mail transport@orkney.gov.uk for further information, advice or an application pack.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 24 March 2024.

Read about how the fund has helped link people to services - and to each other - in Rousay.