12 February 1999

Scotland's longest shopping list hits town!

High Street stores throughout the country are set for a bonanza when local organisations hit town this weekend with what could well be the country’s longest shopping list. Nearly a million pounds will be offered today - to sports clubs, playgroups, neighbourhood and tenants associations and hobby clubs - through Awards for All, the easy - to - access lottery fund for local groups.

More than 330 community groups throughout Scotland - from Sullom Voe to Selkirk -will take their shopping lists into town this weekend and start looking for the equipment which will make all the difference to their activities - whatever they are. Amongst the unusual items requested are floodlights, heart rate monitors, bingo machines, slimming calipers, theatre curtains, horse boxes, dressing up clothes, flippers, an oxygen therapy unit, climbing frames, a diesel engine - and a new roof!

Awards for All is a joint venture of four lottery distributors and funds community, arts, sports and heritage activities through a one-door approach. The scheme aims to simplify the process of applying for lottery grants and make it easier for small groups and first-time applicants to succeed. As well as meeting the cost of equipment, the scheme can fund training costs, events and outings and publicity. Grants range from £500 - £5000. Since its launch in April, Awards for All has distributed more than £3.5 million to nearly 1500 local groups in Scotland.

Groups who missed out this time can apply by phoning 0645 700 777 for an application pack.

A full list of grants is available. For further details or arrangements to interview groups contact Kay Caldwell, Communications Officer Awards for All on 0131 221 7100 or 0468 583441.