The projects that have been supported by the Berry Burn Community Fund have hugely benefited Forres Bluefins Swimming Club, allowing automation of processes including registration, administration, financial control and event management. We have also benefited from increased coach and volunteer hours with a new coach and parent volunteers. This has created increased support and experience across our 3 squads in addition to the equipment purchased benefiting over 60 swimmers, this is used within training to improve technique and focus on strength. Overall these projects have significantly improved the club on a day to day basis and for longer term sustainability as we grow.

We recently were awarded a grant from Berry Burn Community Fund to allow us to purchase cattle gates for our annual show which attracts over 200 cattle entries each year. The gates we had were outdated and unsafe for livestock. The new gates will enhance public safety, improve operational efficiency and support our commitment to economic viability, sustainability and environment responsibility.

Berry Burn Community Fund’s help has allowed Edinvillie Community Hall Council to completely refurbish the gent’s toilets in our hall. These have been in use since the hall’s construction in the late 1950’s and were in need of complete refurbishment. The project has allowed us to bring the facilities up to the standards we enjoy in the rest of the hall and will be appreciated by hall users for years to come. 

We are very grateful to Berry Burn Community Fund for the financial support for the project, allowing us to wave farewell to our 1950’s era toilets.

Wild Things was supported by the Berry Burn Community Fund to purchase seven new laptops, as the organisation’s current hardware had become obsolete. Improving data security, the purchase also ignited a digital transition, in which the organisation transitioned to cloud-based systems, enhancing efficiency, collaboration, flexibility and responsiveness.

The Grantown Business Association used Berry Burn Community Fund support to employ Project Officers, boosting membership, events, and visibility. Membership grew from 54 to 89, increasing income and strengthening the local business community. Key achievements included new networking events, expanded advertising opportunities, creative sector initiatives such as Grantown Open Studios, and enhanced digital promotion via blogs and social media. Businesses benefited from partnerships offering discounts, networking opportunities and greater exposure. The project delivered strong results, built valuable connections, and provided a foundation for sustainable growth and future events.

The Rafford Parent, Baby and Toddler group, which provides an outlet for families to find a voice in the community, has flourished with funding from the Berry Burn Community Fund.

The group promotes parenting skills, and empowering families who very often have no other family support here in Moray. It provides a channel for parents and carers to actively engage and share their knowledge and talents through music, craft, story-telling, toy swaps, health & wellbeing etc.

The play group is fully supported by Rafford Village Hall who actively engage with the community and value the role of local volunteers. We have benefited from close links to Moray Waste Busters and the Finderne Development Trust.

Elgin Amateur Swimming Club (EASC) is a competitive swimming club with just under 60 members, ranging from 7 years of age, and is solely supported by volunteers to promote the sport of competitive swimming in Elgin and the wider Moray area. EASC are committed to the development of children with a passion for swimming. Through dedicated volunteers delivering advanced swimming techniques and building stamina, our swimmers are encouraged to compete in various galas ranging from in-house club galas to District, National and International competitions. Ultimately it is a way for the children to have fun whilst improving their confidence and mental wellbeing.

The 12 week Branching Out programme in Forres was a great success. Fully booked, the participants had a great time learning a range of bushcraft skills, mindfulness techniques, connections with nature and carried out a range of conservation activities in their local Sanquhar community woodlands.

 All participants were engaging in support for their mental health, in a range of capacities, and found the programme of benefit in this respect.

The Active Schools lunch time drop in activity sessions are a safe, welcoming and inclusive space. Pupils have developed so many new skills, built confidence and had an opportunity to socialise with friends and peers. The uptake has been immense and the sessions are always busy. These sessions have become an enjoyable part of the school day for so many pupils providing an opportunity for mainstream and ASN pupils to volunteer and participate together. Supported by our Active Schools Young Leaders who have accrued volunteering hours and gained first aid qualifications and recognition hoodies. The funding from the Berry Burn Community Fund will enable this valued project to continue, grow and evolve.

The support of the Berry Burn Community Fund has been transformative for Abbi’s swimming journey, providing opportunities that would have otherwise been unattainable. The funding has enabled her to access extra training at Buckie ASC, long course sessions in Aberdeen, and essential physiotherapy to stay in peak condition and prevent injury. These have been pivotal in her progress, leading to 6 top-ten finishes at the Scottish National Age Group Championships and the Scottish National Summer Meet. The Fund’s support has been the foundation of her growth, allowing her to thrive and approach the new season with confidence and ambition.