COMMUNITY groups in the Merkinch area are invited to explore opportunities for developing local community projects at an open evening in Merkinch Community Centre on Tuesday 19th November 2002, 6pm-8.30pm.

The event will give local groups the chance to seek project advice, support and funding from a variety of local organisations.
Key amongst the funders attending will be the Community Economic Development Programme, a European funding scheme which specifically aims to support community projects which will provide economic benefit to the local area.

Only two areas of Inverness, Merkinch and Dalneigh, are eligible for support through this scheme so it is hoped that the evening event will be of interest to a number of groups in these priority areas.

The evening session will be informal with each of the organisations attending available to speak to groups or individuals about their project ideas, or simply to provide more information about funding and advice opportunities to help communities turn ideas into projects.

The event, which is open to all Merkinch residents, is being part-funded by the EU under the Inverness and Nairn CED Programme. Among those attending will be environmentalists BTCV, Scottish Natural Heritage, INE, Merkinch Enterprise, Community Scotland, Highland Council’s Economic Development department and possibly mp33.

For further information contact Karen Thomson or Nicole Wallace of the Inverness & Nairn Community Economic Development Programme on 01463 713504.