Lesmahagow Highland Games has been given a big lift from Scotmid Co-operative, after receiving a £250 community grant. The grant was awarded by Scotmid’s West Regional Committee to cover the cost of entry fees, ensuring the event remains free to the local community.
The Highland Games will be held on 21 June in Glebe Park and will showcase a range of heavy events, such as the hammer throw, shot put and caber tossing, as well as Highland dancing, a funfair, and sports events. There is also a parade and a gala day, with prizes for the best dressed house, shop and parade float.
Yvonne Goodfellow, Membership and Community Officer for Scotmid, presented the cheque to Lesmahagow Highland Games at Scotmid’s Lesmahagow store. She said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Lesmagahow Highland Games to keep this terrific event free for the local community. The event brings the whole community together and it’s set to be a great day out for the local area.”
David McAra, Chairman of the Lesmahagow Highland Games said: “Scotmid’s donation means we don’t have to charge an entry fee, so they are helping the public enjoy free entertainment. I feel that this donation is a perfect example of how a co-operative like Scotmid should work and we are very thankful to them for supporting the local community in this way.”
David Abercrombie, Vice-Chair of the Lesmahagow Highland Games added: “The Highland Games Society is very grateful for the donation received from Scotmid – against rising costs each year, our committee work hard to raise funds throughout the year, putting on lots of events for the village, and as we are now one of the very few Highland Games events providing FREE ENTRY for our extended community, sponsorship, grants and donations such as this become equally important, and are very, very welcome. We look forward to a sunny June day and another great afternoon in Lesmahagow!”
Scotmid donates around a quarter of a million pounds to local causes through its community grant scheme each year. Applications are encouraged for projects that support children and education, active lifestyles, the environment, health promotion, the elderly, homelessness, Fairtrade, arts and culture, and charity.
Community groups and projects can apply by completing a community grant form from their local Scotmid store or online at www.scotmid.coop. Community groups and projects must meet certain criteria to be considered for funding. The applications are then considered by their Regional Committee before being awarded.