Foundation cash boost for local charities

The Maritime Rescue Institute has been awarded £24,000 to support the salary of the part-time education and youth development officer, while the Stonehaven and District Sea Cadets have been given £6,000 towards the purchase of a new safety boat.

The MRI's Ann Laing said the grant was fantastic news and would allow the centre to develop its successful education programme.
She said: "The award runs over three years so it will be £8,000 per year towards the salary.

"We have now had more than 300 children come here, some just for visits, others to take part in team-building exercises, leadership awards and safety projects.

"It's fantastic to see that the programmes are so popular but with so few of us here it has been all hands to the deck.

"If we had someone driving it we could do so much more and now we have this money we can get on and appoint another member of staff."

She added that the MRI played an important role in promoting the safety message and encouraging an interest in the sea among local youngsters.

"The children coming through could be our crew members of the future so it is important we have the resources to support them.
"Because this funding runs over three years we will have time to build up the education programmes and once established hopefully they will become self-funded."

Mary Craig, the Lloyds TSB Foundation's deputy chief executive, said: "The true value of these awards isn't in the monetary value of them, but in what they enable.

"What is really important to us is that every penny of our awards is used to the best effect, and makes a difference in communities across Scotland."
Charities who would like more information about applying to the Foundation for an award should contact on 0870 902 1201. The next deadline for applications is July 21 for the standard grant programme.

For more information about educational programmes at the MRI or to express an interest in the post contact 01569 765 768.