Rachael Hamilton MSP is encouraging local communities to apply for funding to support virtual events.
In light of the recent announcement that Hawick and Selkirk Common Ridings are cancelled for 2021 along with many other events, such as agricultural shows and village fairs, the Borders MSP asked the Scottish Government asking what support is available to allow alternative arrangements.
Cabinet Secretary, Aileen Campbell highlighted the £40m Scottish Government Community and Third Sector Recovery Programme, which aims to support community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises by providing support on planning and implementing changes to help adapt to a different social and economic climate as well as providing ongoing crisis support.
The Adapt & Thrive and Community Recovery Fund aim to support organisations to change and adapt, to support delivering community services and to respond to new challenges, which could support groups to move events online due to restrictions on gatherings.
Organisations can receive tailored, specialist advice, as well as grants and loans, to support them to develop a plan so they can operate sustainably.
Mrs Hamilton believes it is vital that local communities, organisations and charities apply for funding to ensure that they can continue to provide an event, albeit virtually.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Local events, such as the Hawick and Selkirk Common Ridings, are so important to the Borders for bringing together the community and for celebrating tradition.
“The likelihood of mass gathering events in May and June seems unfortunately very slim, given the new challenges of different variants.
“Communities can apply to the Scottish Government Community and Third Sector Recovery Programme for funding, and I would encourage people to take up the opportunity.
“Whilst virtual events will never replace the true atmosphere of bringing the community together in celebration, it ensures we keep alive the spirit until restrictions ease”.