A fresh wave of support is set to reach those in need across Nairnshire, thanks to a heartfelt decision by the Highland Council’s Nairnshire Area Committee.
In a move that champions community spirit, the committee has approved £2,000 from the Nairn and Auldearn Poor Fund to go directly into the Nairn and Nairnshire People’s Pot, a local initiative that provides urgent help for individuals and families facing hardship.
This small but meaningful fund will once again be managed by the trusted hands of the Nairn Citizens Advice Bureau, who have a track record of identifying those most at risk of slipping through the cracks.
Councillor Michael Green, Chair of the committee, acknowledged the real-life impact of these funds.
“It might not seem like a lot of money on paper,” he said, “but for someone facing the prospect of debt or going without the basics, it can mean the world.”
Over the winter months, from November to January, the fund supported 41 local people, many of whom were vulnerable families trying to navigate the pressures of the festive season.
It is a powerful reminder that in difficult times, even modest sums can bring huge relief.
The Nairn and Auldearn Poor Fund still holds just over £9,000, ringfenced for use in the local area.
It is one of many charitable funds across the Highlands that were bequeathed generations ago for the public good, and today they remain a vital source of community resilience.
The People’s Pot itself was born from a successful pilot nearly two decades ago, and its continued operation is a reflection of the deep-rooted care within the community.
But the committee’s generosity didn’t stop there.
They also agreed to a £12,000 allocation from the Nairn Common Good Fund to support this year’s Nairn Highland Games.
The Games are a beloved feature of the local summer, drawing crowds from across Scotland and beyond.
First held in 1865, this proud tradition has endured for more than 150 years, with only a handful of interruptions in times of crisis.
It remains one of the largest amateur gatherings in the North, and this funding will help ensure it returns in full swing.
Members also reviewed the recent achievements tied to the Common Good Fund and gave the green light to extend the post of Nairn Common Good Officer for another two years, underscoring their commitment to both heritage and effective stewardship.
Together, these decisions reflect a powerful blend of compassion and cultural pride.
It’s local democracy at its best thoughtful, generous and tuned in to the needs of the people it serves.
