Community groups across the Highlands are being invited to apply for a new round of funding to help reduce waste, encourage repair and reuse, and strengthen local communities.
The Highland Council has opened the third round of its Reuse and Repair Fund, offering grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 to support projects that keep products and materials in use for longer.
Applications are now open to community groups, charities, development trusts, public sector organisations and community ownership initiatives delivering reuse and repair projects across the Highlands.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 16 October.
The fund supports a wide range of community led initiatives, including repair workshops, tool libraries, furniture and electrical refurbishment schemes, textile reuse projects, equipment sharing and other ideas that help reduce waste while supporting a stronger circular economy.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, said:
“I am delighted to see the third round of the Reuse and Repair Fund now open for applications.
“Communities across the Highlands have already demonstrated the significant difference that local reuse and repair projects can make, helping to reduce waste, save money, develop practical skills and strengthen local resilience.
“By supporting initiatives that keep products and materials in use for longer, we can reduce the amount of waste going to landfill while helping to build a more sustainable circular economy.
“I would encourage all eligible organisations with ideas that promote reuse and repair to explore this funding opportunity and apply.”
Since the fund was launched, it has supported 29 community led projects across the Highlands, helping organisations develop practical ways to reduce waste while delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
The second round awarded almost £273,000 to 17 projects, including community bike workshops, repair cafés, textile repair initiatives, tool libraries and creative reuse schemes.
One of the organisations to receive support was Flip of the Coin CIC, whose Second Life Studio project is creating opportunities for people to learn practical skills while giving unwanted materials a new purpose.
Chief Executive and founder Lucy Campbell said:
“This funding is helping us create a space where people can learn practical skills, build confidence and connect with others while giving unwanted materials a new purpose.
“For us, repair and reuse is about much more than reducing waste.
“It creates opportunities for creativity, wellbeing and community, ensuring that everyone can take part regardless of their financial circumstances.”
The Reuse and Repair Fund forms part of The Highland Council’s wider commitment to reducing waste, supporting climate action and helping communities move towards a more sustainable circular economy.
Organisations interested in applying can find full guidance, eligibility criteria and application information on the Highland Council website
Enquiries should be directed to rrf@highland.gov.uk
