The Association considers requests for assistance each year, and selects those that are deemed to be appropriate to the aims and objectives of the Association. Grants may be approved by the Council of Management where they are considered to advance the future wellbeing of residents of Galloway but are not connected to the advancement of any business project. The Association supports projects for the arts, education, non-commercial groups and individuals.
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Among other organisations to benefit during recent years are :- Kirkcudbright Historical Society : contribution to publish a book on the “History of Kirkcudbright Shipping”, which is an update and has already sold many copies without publicity. The book supports the boat trips that take place from the harbour and helps tourism. 2007 Art Exhibition in Kirkcudbright : contribution to the “Return of the Lilies” exhibition of Scottish Painting 1910-1980, which continues to attract large numbers of people every day to Kirkcudbright Town Hall. This re-enforces Kirkcudbright’s status as the “Artists Town” and aids tourism. Wigtown Book Town: additional contribution to help promote the book town festival. This continues to raise its profile and thus Galloway in general for tourism. Galloway Education & Community Services : contribution to help fund “Roman Galloway” exhibition, depicting how the Romans impacted on Galloway. Opened in Stranraer in October and will move to Kirkcudbright in January. Its format makes it capable of being used in schools. Students: 27 sixth year students from Stranraer to Dalbeattie received contributions to help the initial costs of going to University, which for the vast majority of students from the area means going away from home with all the attendant costs involved in that decision. |
The Association has supported the following projects and organisations:- A major contribution to the establishment of a local museum in the town of Dalbeattie . It has been a great success, attracts hundreds of visitors every year, and provides a lasting reminder of the past industries of the town, particularly granite, shipping, and bobbin making. Considerable financial help to the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team to update their equipment. The Team provides search and rescue assistance to the public in an area covering over 130 km (80 miles) from Stranraer in the west to Dumfries in the east. Major contributor to the Wigtown Book Town initiative. The annual Festival, plus the spin offs, has been a real success story, and has given the local economy a tremendous boost. The Association is one of the original sponsors, and has developed a very close relationship with the organisers. The Association has had a lengthy relationship with the Mill on the Fleet in Gatehouse of Fleet, having made several major contributions to the development of the Mill as a tourist attraction, including the provision of chairs for their auditorium. In recent years Kirkcudbright has been promoting itself as "Kirkcudbright Artist's Town", by holding major exhibitions, e.g. ‘The Homecoming’ and ‘Monet & The Impressionists’. The longer term aim is to establish a permanent gallery in the town. The Association has made several financial contributions to the steering committee who have organised the exhibitions, and who are responsible for finding a suitable location for the permanent gallery. The Association has an ongoing relationship with The Glenkens Arts & Community Trust, and has already made a major contribution towards their effort of converting the disused primary school into a Music and Arts Centre. The Association expects to continue its relationship with this very ambitious project. HRH The Princess Royal officially opened The CatStrand during a visit to the venue on Tuesday 2 October 2007. Help in the world of education has always been a key target area for the Association, providing financial support for young people pursuing a recognised course of further education at a University or College. Students are encouraged to find out what help might be available through their Head Teachers at Secondary Schools in Galloway.
A major contribution to the refurbishment of the derelict Newton Stewart cinema. It is now once again a fully operational cinema, but doubles up as a small theatre, regularly used by travelling children’s theatre companies.