SIXTEEN community projects in Oban Lorn and the Isles are set for a funding boost from Aryll and Bute Council – but another eight are listed to miss out.
The authority is allocating its supporting communities fund (SCF) for 2025/26, with £22,500 available in each of its four administrative areas.
Up to £1,500 is available to each applying project, with 11 of the initiatives proposed to receive that amount in a report to go before councillors.
In total, 15 are planned to be allocated the full amount they requested, with another one to receive part of their request.
Councillors will be asked to agree the allocations at a meeting of the authority’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee on Wednesday, September 10.
Oban Pride, Spotlight Musical Theatre Group, and Dalmally Primary Parent Council, are among those proposed by council officers to be given the maximum £1,500 as requested.
Oban Badminton Club, and Appin Community Development Trust, are also listed to be allocated the full amount they asked for, although neither sought the full £1,500 allowed.
Among those not recommended for any funding are Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, the Oban Mod, Oban Festival Lights and Oban Youth Shinty Club.
However, the committee can overrule the recommendations of council officers, so there may yet be a possibility for organisations not listed for funding.
Council chief executive Pippa Milne said: “Of the 25 applications received, one was withdrawn or ineligible and of the 24 eligible applications, 20 are new applicants to the fund.
“Of the eligible applications to the SCF, 16 are recommended to be awarded funding. Four of these are for island-based projects.
“The projects recommended will deliver a wide range of activities from a programme of craft skills workshops for island residents to badminton tournaments for young people.”
Ms Milne added: “Changes to the SCF in 2025/26 include an online application form and a reduced maximum award per project.
“These were implemented following a review after last year’s round of SCF, which included feedback from community groups, officers and comments from area committees.
“The SCF is assessed through a robust process which involves community development team contact with the applicant to verify any information where required.
“All applicants need to provide satisfactory essential information on governance and finance to be eligible. Scoring is based on a set of criteria outlined in the guidance and made available on the council’s website.”
