CalMac backing for new inclusion project on Bute

Teenagers with disabilities on Bute will soon be able to take part in a new range of inclusive activities thanks to an award from CalMac's Community Fund.

Led by Achievement Bute, 'Youth Extra', is a project that will deliver a range of events that will appeal to young people of secondary school age aged 14-25 on the island, no matter what their circumstances are.

Project organiser, Dorothy McDonald said: 'We are delighted that Cal Mac will be providing this funding and we're look forward to hearing from the young people themselves about the kind of activities they want us to focus on in the coming months.

Picture shows: Representatives from Achievement Bute pick up their Community Fund cheque at Rothesay ferry terminal.

'CalMac's Community Fund is open to non-profit organisations involved in activities that will benefit young people aged 26 and under from island or coastal communities the company supports. So far the Fund has supported 39 projects across west coast communities.

'The response since we made the first round of awards earlier in the year has been fantastic.  We are already seeing the awards put to good use in the Western Isles and I'm delighted that we are able to help Achievement Bute make the island more inclusive for all young people,' said CalMac's Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Brian Fulton. E

ach application was judged by a screening panel of young people recruited from across the company's network, in partnership with Young Scot. Last year CalMac's 33-strong fleet carried more than 5.3 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles to 50 ports and slipways on island and remote mainland locations.

Other successful projects in the Firth of Clyde area include Cumbrae Community Radio in support of their Broadcasting Production Primary Education project and Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust's Creative Saturday's project. On Arran Corrie Primary Parent Council received an award for their Swimming for Life project, as did Arran Theatre and Arts Trust's Wee Mac Arran Children's Book Festival. Back on the mainland Gourock Golf Club, Royal Gourock Yacht Club and Ayrshire Children's Services CIC are all also being supported.