Enchanted Forest Community Trust steps in to help out 26 community projects

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, organisers of the pioneering sound and light show in Pitlochry, has awarded £33,514 to 26 worthy community projects in Highland Perthshire.

This is the seventh consecutive year that such a fund has been available, and the 26 good causes range from supporting the Vale of Atholl Pipers Association to contribute to the replacement of their band kit, to purchasing tools for the upkeep of paths by the Rannoch Paths and Open Space Group. Other notable donations include a a new strip for Aberfeldy Rugby Football Club, assistance to Dunkeld & District Strathspey & Reel Society in hiring a tutor and a contribution towards the running costs of The Den, a community run after school club in Blair Atholl, Ballinluig and Pitlochry.

The Enchanted Forest Community Trust is able to offer smaller local community groups access to vital funding that they would otherwise find difficult to obtain from other funders many of whom have much higher minimum thresholds for application. With an average award value of £1289 across the 26 projects funded.

Paul Keith, Trustee of The Enchanted Forest, said:

“2019’s popular show saw more people visiting The Enchanted Forest than ever before. This incredible support means we are able to fund more exciting community events, projects and organisations. We’re delighted that our show helps makes this support possible, and visitors should feel proud that, just by visiting the Enchanted Forest, they have done their bit to give back to the community and benefit the local area.”

Over 80,000 visitors attended last year’s sold-out show Cosmos with proceeds from the event being distributed through The Enchanted Forest Community Trust to worthy causes in the local area.

Organisers announced on earlier this month that the 2020 event would be cancelled as a result of the impact of the coronavirus epidemic. More information on The Enchanted Forest is available on www.enchantedforest.org.uk