Earlston groups bloom thanks to Wishlist scheme

Three community groups in Earlston have received a welcome financial boost through Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) Community Benefits Wishlist scheme, helping to support local initiatives that benefit residents of all ages.

Last week, Earlston Community Larder, Beyond Earlston and Earlston in Bloom were each selected to receive £200 worth of vouchers from HAGs UK, the main contractor delivering Earlston’s new destination playpark.

Pictured L to R: Derek Harvey, Project Manager at HAGs UK, Carol Cooke, SBC Parks and Environment Manager, Phil and Joy Snape (Earlston Community Larder), Sheila Gibb (Earlston in Bloom) and Susan Law (Beyond Earlston).

placeholder image — Pictured L to R: Derek Harvey, Project Manager at HAGs UK, Carol Cooke, SBC Parks and Environment Manager, Phil and Joy Snape (Earlston Community Larder), Sheila Gibb (Earlston in Bloom) and Susan Law (Beyond Earlston).

The Community Benefits Wishlist scheme is designed to add value to contracts by delivering wider economic, social and environmental benefits to local communities. These benefits can include employment and training opportunities, support for small and medium-sized businesses, educational activities, or sponsorship for local events and community projects.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, SBC’s Executive Member for Finance, IT and Corporate Performance, welcomed the positive impact of the scheme.

“Community benefits can have a significant positive impact on the Scottish Borders, whether that is by helping to provide young unemployed people with work experience or by supporting local small and medium sized businesses or providing sponsorship or assistance with community events.

“I am delighted to see that community benefits are delivering added value to our communities and look forward to seeing many more in the future.”

The Community Café and Larder Foodshare, better known as Earlston Community Larder and based within Earlston Parish Church, provides a welcoming and supportive space for people in the village. As part of the award, the group also received £100 vouchers for Morrisons and Asda respectively.

Meanwhile, Earlston in Bloom, a dedicated community group committed to keeping the village attractive and welcoming for residents and visitors alike, requested that its funding contribute towards the cost of two self-watering hanging baskets. The group also received compost to support its planting efforts.

Beyond Earlston, which provides youth work opportunities and activities for young people aged 12 to 18 living in the Earlston High School catchment area, chose to direct its donation to a local business supporting its AGM and family day this Friday, August 14.