Alyth should soon see more investment coming its way thanks to Alyth Development Trust’s newly appointed grant-writer.
The Trust has recruited community development professional Colin Reed to a six-month contract to write compelling funding proposals for the town. Working with ADT and a small number of partner organisations in Alyth, Colin will identify sources of funding such as government and local authority grant schemes, charitable trusts and foundations and private sector organisations. He will then work closely with groups in the town, including ADT, to develop positive working relationships with funding bodies and prepare persuasive applications for investment in community projects in Alyth.
Colin was born on the west coast of Scotland but brought up on the south coast of England. After college and university, he started working as a freelance music journalist whilst supplementing his income with a wide variety of other jobs. He relocated to Scotland in the late 90s, eventually settling in Kirkmichael. He worked for Angus College on tourism-related projects, and later for Learndirect Scotland (later Skills Development Scotland) helping to pilot new projects and initiatives with colleges and schools, trade unions, training providers, community groups, employers and learners all over Scotland.
For the last 10 years, he’s been running his own business as a self-employed consultant supporting local communities. Since early 2017, he has worked for Mount Blair Community Development Trust as their development officer, helping them to become more ambitious with the size and scope of projects they have taken on. He has a proven track record of success getting funding from local, regional and national bodies, and becoming very knowledgeable about what each funder is looking for and how to frame proposals in the most effective way.
Colin said: “I believe that community organisations such as Alyth Development Trust will play an ever more crucial role in supporting local residents and bringing new ideas and investment into their communities. The pandemic has shown just how important our local Trusts are and as our communities and their businesses move towards a post-covid recovery there’s never been a better time to get involved with them. I have seen first-hand the difference community trust-inspired projects can make to our communities and I very much look forward to working with ADT on their ambitious and wide-reaching plans for the town.”
David Whipps, treasurer of ADT, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Colin on board at what is turning out to be an exciting time for ADT and the town. Several major projects are developing which will require significant investment and we’re sure that Colin has the skills and experience to help generate the resources that will support our ambitions for Alyth.”
I wish Mr Reed every success and hope any funding obtained is invested in improving the quality of life for all residents of Alyth and the surrounding environment. The flooding in Alyth caused much concern among the locals as to tge cause. I strobgly suggest he consults with those who live there before making decisions that directly affects them.