ORGANISATIONS can apply for up to £2,000 under CalMac’s new Community Fund after the operator launched the fund to help boost opportunities for young people.

The fund is open to non-profit organisations and applications must be for projects or activities that benefit children and young people aged 26 and living in a mainland port or island the company serves. Applications can be from £500 to £2,000.

CalMac’s director of community and stakeholder engagement, Brian Fulton, said: “The Community Fund was a key commitment by the company to help build stronger ties with the communities we support.

“I look forward to seeing some creative applications on how it can be used to help positively impact young people’s lives. We are targeting 30 awards in year one with each application judged on its own merits.”

Applications will be judged by a panel of young people from across the company’s network in partnership with Young Scot.

Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “I welcome CalMac building these bonds.”

Organisations can access an online application form and see full terms and conditions here.