Marr Local Learning Community

The Aberdeenshire Local Action Group’s Rural Communities Challenge Fund 2025-26 has been launched and is now live and open for applications.

The programme delivers funding from the Scottish Government’s Rural Community Led Local Development programme.

Grants are being invited from community groups, charities and cooperatives throughout Aberdeenshire (excluding the Cairngorms area) and can fund specific activities aimed at benefitting rural communities in the region.   

Applications will be assessed and approved by the Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership which represents rural communities throughout Aberdeenshire.

Grants will be targeted towards capital expenditure which can be delivered before 28th February 2026 and supports one or more of the following priorities:

1) An inclusive and connected Aberdeenshire – Enabling better connections within and across rural Aberdeenshire Communities. 

2) Accountable and Fair Aberdeenshire – Ensuring no one community is left behind or exposed to the devastating effects of inequality and poverty. 

3) Sustainability of Places and Planet - Achieving a just transition to net zero through reducing emissions and regenerating the local environment.

Grants of between £10,000 and £49,999 will be available for Capital Projects, and Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 for Revenue Projects. A minimum 10% match funding contribution to projects by applicants is desirable but not essential.

The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday 17th August 2025 and potential applicants can access the application forms and guidance on the following webpage: Rural Communities Challenge Fund - Aberdeenshire Council.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact us for more information and support at externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

The PDA in Youth Work has been designed for those working with young people in a Youth Work context. It is suitable for people who have experience of youth work in a paid or volunteering capacity but who might not have formal qualifications in youth work.

The PDA in Youth Work offers a nationally recognised, SQA accredited qualification at SCQF Level 6.

PDA in Youth Work: to register interest

PDA in Youth Work Eventbrite Link

Ready for Youth Work: eLearning

Ready for Youth Work Eventbrite Link

If you would like more information please contact douglas.findlay@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray

The Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray is a 10-year programme of support to accelerate the transition to net zero in the region. We are pleased to confirm that we will be launching a new open bidding round worth up to £8.5 million in to the Fund for the 25 / 26 financial year.

This additional capital will build on the £75 million we have allocated through the Fund since 2022, creating jobs, supporting innovation and helping to secure the highly skilled workforce of the future. More information about the first round of projects supported through the Fund can be found here.

2025 / 2026 Funding Call

The funding call will open on the Just Transition Fund page on the Scottish Government website on 6th May for six weeks closing on 17th June. Applicants will be asked to submit an application form in support of their bid and accompanying guidance will be provided on the website. We are inviting bids carrying a minimum value of £500,000 and a max value of £5 million for projects to be completed by 31^st March 2026.

For this second open bidding round into the Fund, we will focus on projects that support jobs, skills and economic opportunities, addressing immediate priorities facing the region. This reflects our mission to ensure the Fund is responsive to identified needs and continues to maximise the impact of our investment to deliver benefits for businesses, workers and communities as we transition to a net zero future.

Information and Support

The Fund team will hold a series of online information sessions for prospective applicants to attend on the following dates:

• Wednesday 21st May 14:00-15:00
• Thursday 29th May 11:00-12:00
• Monday 9th June 14:00- 15:00

If you would like an invitation to one of these sessions or have any queries regarding the funding call, please get in touch with the team at: justtransitionfund@gov.scot

Ongoing newsfeed from partners about events, activities, funding and strategic developments

Marr Area Partnership bulletin: These short, up-to-date, weekly Bulletins aim to provide organisations, communities and individuals with useful information on a wide range of topics relevant to community support and development. See Bulletins | Mysite (marrareapartnership.org.uk)

New Aberdeenshire Council Plan: The Council has a new plan for 2024-29 with a focus on sustainable economy, connected communities and living well locally. See Plan 2024 – 2029 - Aberdeenshire Council

Some resources for community groups:

• Aberdeen City community empowerment toolkit

https://communityplanningaberdeen.org.uk/community-toolkit/community-empowerment-toolkit/

• Scottish Community Development Centre capacity building toolkit

https://scdc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f5385f196c9c37fbbd6edbef&id=b4890290cb&e=bc31f42ad8

New Aberdeenshire CLD Partnership Plan