I am really grateful to Berry Burn Community Fund for awarding me with funding to purchase a replacement game refrigerator when mine broke and was beyond repair.

I use the game refrigerator to store game meat provided by local estates which I then prepare, pack and distribute amongst the community free of charge.

The refrigerator is the key piece of equipment that is required to hold meat at food safe temperatures and by replacing it Berry Burn Community Fund has enabled me to continue to provide locally sourced food to members of the community free of charge.

The 4^th Findhorn Bay Festival presented a journey of exploration and discovery for Scotland’s Year of Stories, offering glimpses into the past and hopes for the future, and experiences of nature, culture and adventure. 

From 23 September to 2 October 2022, the festival provided our communities with an opportunity to share stories, experiences and reconnect and provided the opportunity for our communities to explore a diversity of voices, places, people and cultures from our local stories of past and present with a 10-day programme of arts and cultural events and activities.

Collaborative engagement with a range of community and business partners, funders and sponsors (through both financial and in-kind support) ensured the successful delivery and promotion of the Festival to the widest possible audience, contributing to local regeneration, place-making and community wellbeing.

The Friends of the Falconer Museum have produced an anthology entitled Science & Imagination: True Stories from the Falconer Museum to celebrate 150 years since the museum first opened to the public. The book explores the life and work of Forres-born botanist, geologist, palaeontologist, and polymath Hugh Falconer, alongside imaginative pieces inspired by this visionary scientist. Due consideration is given to the national and international importance of the museum and its collections; the book highlights Falconer’s continuing legacy, both at home and abroad, and connects the local community to its heritage in an informative and engaging manner.

‘Our Leanchoil’ was a nine-month heritage project to collect the memories, photographs and personal stories of Leanchoil Hospital and its special place in our community. We worked with local people of all ages in skills sharing and wellbeing activities and created a unique digital exhibition that preserves and illuminates the history of this special hospital. Berry Burn Community Fund helped us to realise the vision of the project with funds that supported our community engagement and connection.

The Friends of Craigellachie Bridge have recently purchased their own tools and maintenance equipment, meaning the group are in a position to encourage more volunteers to come along and help maintain the area.  By having the proper tools for the jobs, the work being undertaken will be safer and undertaken more quickly.  A lack of equipment will no longer be a barrier to being able to help out maintaining the area around Craigellachie Bridge. Volunteers will learn new skills, meet like-minded people and improve their local community.

In the autumn of 2019, a small group of Grantown residents decided to see what they could do to renovate a small council owned play park in Grantown on Spey.  Since then, Dulaig Park Renovation Group has taken 3 years and raised £77,500 for the renovation of an under-12s play area in Grantown on Spey.  This project has been supported by approximately 25 funders with 10% of the funds raised by the local community in small fundraising ventures.  In the autumn of 2022, the play park renovation was finally completed with huge cries of delight from local children who have used it daily ever since.

Funding was awarded to Lucy to help support training and competition expenses, alongside upgrading equipment. As a fully self-funded athlete, the support was extremely beneficial in enabling her to compete all across the UK, helping her earn her first selections to represent Great Britain at two major matches last summer. Over the summer months, she competed in Hungary, Germany, Spain and Serbia, which were great opportunities to for her to gain experience competing internationally to prepare her for major competitions next year. Notable results include; 4^th at the ISSF Junior World Cup, Scottish senior and British junior Champion, alongside setting two British Junior records. Lucy aims to continue this progression through earning selection to represent Great Britain at the Junior European and World championships next year.

The Berry Burn Community Fund has been invaluable to Strathspey Camanachd. Its support has taken out all financial barriers for players wishing to take up and try out the sport. It has also allowed the club to offer free match day spectating to all those in the community, giving people a great family activity to come along and be part of.  We cannot thank Berry Burn enough for all its support.

The Finderne 2022 calendar was created by the community, for the community.  Local people of all ages benefitted from attending field trips led by professional photographer Nick Gibbons throughout the year. This project has greatly benefitted those who have gained enthusiasm, enjoyment and built confidence. It has resulted in the creation of new friendships and has been great fun. There is no doubt, it has motivated people to take walks whatever the weather and appreciate our beautiful landscape from many different perspectives. All profits from these calendars have been gratefully received by Edinkillie and Rafford Village Halls. With much appreciation to all participants.

Thank you to Berry Burn Community fund for supporting Rothes Community Playpark.  We are so grateful for your belief in and contribution to the project.  The new park will benefit children, families, our community and businesses for many years to come.  Thank you for helping us create an exciting, colourful and inclusive play space for our community.