Perth Harbour helps tackle local issues

Eight organisations successfully applied to the new Fund, which was set up by port operator David MacBrayne Limited (DML) to address issues such as poverty and social isolation in the city.

The Buttons and Bows Baby Bank will use their award to help provide free baby food, nappies, baby essentials and baby equipment to families with young children who experience financial difficulties.

Letham4All SCIO will use their award to reduce social isolation among the over 60's.

Successful recipients the Perth Strathtay Harriers are breaking down social and financial barriers for many of those engaging in their activities to ensure their continued interest in athletics.

Checkin Works will use its award for its Giraffe Community Kitchen, which delivers meals to the most disadvantaged, including those living in financial insecurity, hidden poverty, homelessness and/or COVID related disadvantage, poor mental health and/or learning disabilities.

The Perth City Centre Community Hub's Connect Perth project is tackling digital inclusion by offering a space for disadvantaged people and people less familiar with digital technology to get online.

Awards have also been made to Letham Climate Challenge SCIO; Harbour Counselling Service; and the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross.

Cameron MacPhail, Head of Ports and Harbours for DML, said: "We created the Perth Harbour Community Fund to make a difference and we are delighted to announce these awards today.

"The last year and a half has been turbulent for so many and the third sector has responded magnificently. There are still many challenges to come as we progress through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I hope the awards we have made alleviate some of the social issues that arise consequently."

The Perth Harbour Community Fund was created with support from the Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS).

Lori Hughes, Partnership and Communities Manager for PKAVS, said: "Thank you to DML and Perth Harbour for bringing us on board to be part of designing the Perth Harbour Community Fund.  We are delighted to see the money allocated to a diverse range of projects across Perth City and know that the funding will deliver positive impacts for local individuals, families and communities who need it most. Congratulations to the award recipients."

Perth Harbour has been operated by DML since it was appointed by Perth and Kinross Council in 2018. Since taking over management, the number of ships using the Harbour has risen from 12 in 2017 to 24 in 2020. This figure is expected to increase to 30 by 2022/23.

DML is one of the largest logistics companies in Scotland. A multi-award-winning ferry operator, harbour and ship management specialist, and is one of Scotland's biggest headquartered firms employing around 1500 people.

DML, through its main subsidiary companies CalMac Ferries Limited and Solent Gateway Limited, transports more than five million passengers annually and operates 28 UK ports.