Community groups from towns and villages across the Scottish Borders have come together over the weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
This year, Her Majesty, The Queen has become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years of service.
To mark the occasion, we encouraged non-profit making community and voluntary groups, schools and churches within the Scottish Borders to apply for grant funding through the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fund, to organise celebratory events, and community and legacy projects.
Across the region around 120 applications were awarded, and events such as picnics, firework displays, village fetes and jubilee themed street parties took place over the four days. A variety of projects to commemorate The Queens 70 years of service are also underway, with permanent sculptures, benches, community gardens, tree planting and art works all being supported across the Borders.
Hawick Belles, a women’s cycling club was just one of the many groups to be successful in their grant application. They were awarded over £950 to hold a women's cycling event and tea party on the Jubilee weekend.
Elizabeth Mitchell, Hawick Belles
“I want to send a huge thank you to Scottish Borders Council for helping us to give our Hawick Belles and other women the opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in style. We were able to put money back into the community, provide a super day and motivate ladies to get out on their bikes. We welcomed some new faces too which was fabulous and everyone had a fantastic and fun time.”
Councillor Caroline Cochrane, Executive Member for Community Engagement
“The Jubilee Fund has enabled communities across the area to come together and celebrate as well as supporting local businesses.
“We were delighted with the number of applications we received and it was fantastic to see so many parties and celebrations take place across the Scottish Borders to celebrate Her Majesty, The Queens Platinum Jubilee.
“Whilst this jubilee fund is now closed, SBC continues to support local communities and voluntary groups through various community grants and funding, including the Neighbourhood Support Fund and the Community Welfare Trust.”