A fund of £3 million has been set aside for Highland community groups and organisations wanting to take part in the 2007 Highland Year of Culture celebrations.

Applications for grants up to £30,000 are being invited from groups which want to run an event or embark on a capital project, such as the upgrading of a community hall.

The cash comes from Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Executive and will be awarded in six areas - arts, environment, heritage, language, science and sport.

Project director of the 2007 celebrations, Fiona Hampton, will lead the teams which will manage and administer the fund.

"The overall aim of Highland 2007 is to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past and present and future", she explained.

Application forms are available from Thursday 17th March 2005 on www.highland2007.com

Taken from Inverness Courier, Friday 11 March 2005