The public has had their say! Three local community groups celebrate after winning public vote for more National Lottery funding

Three STV North based community groups have won a public vote and up to £50,000 of National Lottery funding in this year’s The People’s Projects. The money was awarded after Skilz Academy, Create Aberdeen and Ullapool Fire and Light Fund won the public over with their plans to make a life changing difference to their local communities.

The groups were amongst 95 worthwhile projects competing across the UK for a share of £3 million. Each was featured on STV North’s evening news programme, giving the public a chance to see their fantastic work and then make the tough choice of where the money should go.

After being chosen by voters from across the region, the three groups will now use this new funding to continue their work to bring people together, strengthen their communities and make a difference to people’s lives.

The GLOW for it project by Skilz Academy in Arbroath, received £49,988 to extend the charity’s multi sport and physical activity programme to run six evenings per week. The programme is free for local young people aged up to 18 years old and the group will also be able to reach into other areas in Angus and Dundee. They will also extend their StreetSport programme as well as developing a new Learn to DJ project

The Active Lives, Creative Minds project by Create Aberdeen, was awarded £43,052 to set up a Makaton choir for adults with learning disabilities. The sessions will use this language programme which uses signs and symbols in place of speech to bring people together to enjoy music, singing, dancing and performing. The new group will run on a weekly basis and be open to all.

The Light Up Ullapool project by Ullapool Fire & Light Fund, was granted £37,820 to expand the group's Christmas Creel tree display to create a Winter lights display throughout the village including schools and nursing homes, They will also be able to organise a Winter Market involving local producers and performers which will help to strengthen community ties and bring people together.

The People’s Projects is a partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, STV and The National Lottery. Since 2005 it has given the public a unique say in how National Lottery money should be put to good use in their local area.

The People's Projects celebrates some of the incredible projects supported by The National Lottery Community Fund - the UK's largest funder of community activities. This year, 95 community groups across the UK were shortlisted, with five groups going head to head in each region.

Martin Cawley, Scotland Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The People’s Projects highlights the fantastic things communities are doing across Scotland to enable people to thrive. In every village, town and city, local groups are working together to turn great ideas into reality and deliver the change people want to see in their area.

“We’re really excited to see this year’s winners use National Lottery funding to strengthen their local community and support people to lead happier and healthier lives.”

The People’s Projects has awarded around £45 million to over 1,000 good causes across the UK since it started in 2005.