Applications for Financial Assistance
Perth and Kinross Council · 7 September 2026
Back to Perth Common Good Fund Committee — 7 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Perth Common Good Fund Committee Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report Title: Applications for Financial Assistance Report Number: 26/237 Report Author: Sarah Kimmet, Community Empowerment Officer communityempowerment@pkc.gov.uk Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead for Housing and Communities ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The report asks Perth Common Good Fund Committee to consider five small grant applications and one capital grant application. 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Consider the grant applications and agree any financial assistance to be awarded. 3. Structure of Report 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background / Main Issues • Section 5: Proposals: Small Grants • Section 6: Proposals: Capital Grants • Section 7: Conclusion • Section 8: Impact Value Assessment • Section 9: Appendices
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4. Background / Main Issues 4.1 Perth and Kinross Council owns land and property which forms part of the Common Good of the former burghs in Perth and Kinross and has a statutory duty in terms of section 15 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 to administer this land and property "having regard to the interests of the inhabitants" of those former burghs. This duty also applies to the administration of the associated Common Good Funds. 4.2 The Common Good Funds have traditionally demonstrated their support to local residents and organisations by distributing grants. These grant awards allow individuals and local organisations to carry out a wide range of community-based activities. 4.3 Applications to Common Good Funds vary across the different former burghs of Perth and Kinross. The Perth Common Good Fund is larger and receives a much higher number of applications than the other Funds. Therefore, additional criteria are applied to assist with assessing applications (See Appendix 1). 4.4 The 2026/27 Budget for the Perth Common Good Fund was approved at the Committee meeting on 02 February 2026 (Report 26/30 refers). A summary of the approved Financial Assistance budget, committed grant funding, and the budget remaining, is provided below: 2026/27 Financial Assistance Budget St John’s Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £2,000 £20,000 £17,500 £17,500 £80,000 £60,000 Value of grants paid and committed St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £0 £0 £17,500 £0 £10,150 £1,468 Remaining Financial Assistance Budget St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £2,000 £20,000 £0 £17,500 £69,850 £58,532 Value of funding requested and under consideration St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute £0 £20,000 £0
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Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £0 £16,527 £12,279 5. Proposals - Small Grants Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) 5.1 RVS are seeking £8,000 towards their 2026/27 minibus growth scheme. 5.2 RVS coordinate 150 volunteers across Perth & Kinross to specifically support the elderly community. They run lunch clubs, social clubs, a Home from Hospital service, the Support You at Home service, and Strength and Balance classes. They support 10 council run sheltered housing complexes and other non-council run facilities with entertainment. RVS have a service level agreement with Perth and Kinross Council which includes the aim of growing the number of clients attending clubs and events. It became clear that transport to and from activities was a barrier for individuals and therefore RVS applied and were successful in obtaining a minibus through the PKC Community Minibus Scheme. Since being awarded the minibus, they have used this to expand their offer across Perth and Kinross where elderly people can meet new friends and participate in new activities. They have created clubs at 21 sheltered housing complexes offering Boccia bowls, reminisce clubs and exercise classes. Additionally, they have created a Boccia league where they transport residents from each site to visit others in friendly competition. A monthly club has also been started at the library for memory discussions. The most recent club is at Morrisons supermarket where they run a shopping and lunch club, and this has been very well received. To respond to interest from each home RVS have prepared an additional 9 volunteer drivers to build the transport service. Reports on work carried out each month are shared with PKC, and a copy of a recent report with resident feedback is available in appendix one. 5.3 As RVS continue to respond to growing interest, they expect to support over 3,000 attendances at clubs by residents of Perth city. Residents from other Common Good areas will also benefit as part of the wider programme. 5.4 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Vehicle Running Costs £100 fuel per week £5,000 Insurance and Breakdown Cover Based on last year’s costs £1,500 Servicing Based on last year’s costs £3,000 Volunteer Costs Based on last year’s costs £1,500 Total proposed expenditure £11,000 Funding Requested from Alyth Common Good Fund £350
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Funding Requested from Crieff Common Good Fund £500 Funding Requested from Kinross Common Good Fund £500 Funding Requested from Pitlochry Common Good Fund £500 Additional funding still to be sourced £1,150 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £8,000 5.5 RVS have received the following funding from Perth Common Good Fund in the previous three years. Year Award Project 2025/26 £3,750 Minibus Project Consideration 5.6 In line with Criteria 9.8 committee are asked to consider the application and agree any level of funding to be awarded. Adventure Circus 5.7 Adventure Circus are seeking £6,027 towards their 2026/27 Dragonfyre programme. 5.8 Adventure Circus is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation who aim to help to further participation and performance in circus acrobatic sports. Working locally within the Perth and Kinross area, they deliver circus tuition in aerial and floor acrobatics, hula hooping and juggling. They run weekly classes for children and adults, as well as offering one-to-one tuition. Adventure Circus have a particular interest in mental health and strive to be a local leader in providing support through wellbeing activities (menopause group/over 60s/neuro-inclusion). Adventure Circus also like to share circus skills with the wider public and attend galas and festivals to help their local community to have a go and see a show. 5.9 The current grant application would support Adventure Circus to put on four free Dragonfyre shows in the Norie-Miller Walk area of Perth in November 2026. Dragonfyre is a live outdoor storytelling, puppetry, acrobatic and fire manipulation event about Perth’s forgotten 6th century legend of a dragon who lived on Kinnoull Hill, making this a city-relevant event exploring local history. This event has run annually since 2022. Attendance averages approximately 100-120 people per show, the majority being from the common good area. The shows are free and inclusive for all and are an opportunity for families struggling with the cost-of-living who may not be able to attend other more costly theatre events. 5.10 Adventure Circus would also like to repeat the school workshops where they would offer 3 workshops each, at 2 schools, hoping to reach 90 pupils in total from the common good area.
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At each of the schools they will also offer a mini Dragonfyre performance for all pupils, teachers, and parents reaching 500 people from the Common Good area across the two schools. The group have gathered positive feedback on last years’ events. It is hoped that participation in these events will help to uncover and harness a child’s special talent, that they will have the opportunity to try new skills on a level playing field, and that circus can be used as a gateway to promote physical activity, enhance personal and emotional resilience, inspire creativity, and embrace discovery. Workshops will give children the opportunity to try new skills, including low-cost activities like hula hooping and poi spinning which can be practiced at home. The schools' part of the project will take part in August/September 2027. 5.11 The show develops year on year with new parts added as the individual and group skills of the cast develop. Last year the 600 tickets for the show (which are free) sold out within a matter of days. Each year feedback is collected from audience members and many repeat visitors comment on how they wish to continue attending as the children enjoy it so much. People also find it welcoming and suitable for young people with varying needs. One audience member last year commented “The most child friendly entertainment we’ve ever been to by far! One of my son’s struggles in crowds but was straight away made to feel welcome and calmed down. Asking guests to allow the little one's access to the front made it a great experience for all the children. Been to many places for children in the past and it’s always the case that adults run to take the front space, and my nervous child won’t see the show. Even the adults around me were saying how calm it was because the etiquette was clear Thank you very much for a wonderful evening” 5.12 Feedback is also collected from the DragonFyre school's events with one teacher commenting “it was so good to hear the children shouting out, laughing and getting involved”, and another saying "Adventure Circus gave our pupils the opportunity to try a variety of circus performances that they wouldn't usually get the chance to do. They were full of excitement and energy completing in the three stations: Juggling, aerial hoop and human pyramids. The show afterwards was commendable in the talents of the performers, and the story line was fun and engaging". Pupils taking part commented “Juggling was very fun and the aerial hoop was lots of fun too, especially when it went fast.” Participant aged 10, “I enjoyed the juggling and I was really good at throwing it up and catching it in my other hand. I liked the hoop, but it would have been better if it was a wee bit slower.” Participant aged 8, "I enjoyed the aerial hoop. " Participant aged 9, "The show afterwards was fun to watch. My favourite part was when someone tried to steal the dragons jewel and the dragon getting killed." Participant aged 10.
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5.13 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Site hire / security / fencing / sound & light / first aid / fire rope, plastic, fuel for 4 performances / food for cast & volunteers / consumables / insurance / administration/ event directors / performers / marketing costs Based on previous years costs £10,500 School activity (show and workshops). Instructors time for school visits / equipment / insurance / administration / travel / performers / van hire Based on previous years costs £3,830 Facility hire cost for rehearsal space and equipment storage 5% of annual total. Annual cost is £12,300 + VAT £738 Total proposed expenditure £15,068 Gannochy Trust £7,010 Adventure Circus Funds £1,507 Shortfall still to cover £524 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £6,027 5.14 Adventure Circus have received the following Common Good Funding over the previous three years. Year Award Project 2025/26 £6,586 Dragonfyre 2025/26 2024/25 £5,000 Dragonfyre 2024/25 2023/24 £8,400 Dragonfyre 2023/24 Consideration 5.15 A grant of up to £6,027 is considered consistent with criteria 9.2a. Our Lady’s RC Primary School Parent Council 5.16 Our Lady’s RC Primary School Parent Council (PC) are seeking £1822.29 towards the cost of a whole school trip to the pantomime. 5.17 Our Lady’s PC represent parent’s views, support the work of the school, and fundraise for the benefit of the children. They would like to support the school to take P1 to P7 to see the pantomime at Perth Theatre on 17th December 2026.
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This is a valuable cultural experience which many children will not experience with their families. The school is in a deprived area, so support is required to make the costs affordable for all children. Parents will be asked to contribute £10 towards their child’s costs. 5.18 170 children from the Common Good area, along with 30 teachers and parent helpers will benefit from any grant award. 5.19 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Pantomime tickets x 200 Ticket Price £2,184 Buses Quote for 4 x 53-seater £1,280 Refreshments Bottle of water and Haribo per child £58.29 Total proposed expenditure £3,522.29 Contribution from families (£10 per child) £1,700 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £1,822.29 5.20 Our Lady’s PC have received the following funding from Perth Common Good Fund in the previous three years. Year Award Project 2025/26 £1,633.95 2025 Pantomime Trip 2024/25 £1,000 School Trip to Carfin Grotto 2024/25 £1,459 Nursery and Primary Pantomime Trip Consideration 5.21 A grant of up to £1,000 is considered consistent with criteria 9.7. Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table 5.22 Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table are seeking £24,800 towards the annual Perth Bonfire and Fireworks Night celebrations. 5.23 Perth Common Good Fund sets aside an annual budget of £20,000 for this event, if applied for. 5.24 Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table exist to promote strong community bonds through the meeting of men aged between 18 and 45 for the purposes of being more active and doing more, with the additional intent to raise and distribute funds within the local community.
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5.25 Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table have organised the annual bonfire and fireworks event for a number of years in collaboration with Perth and Kinross Council, and local community and businesses particularly local construction and haulage businesses who donate pallets. This is considered locally as a major event where the community can gather in large numbers on the Lesser South Inch and enjoy the sights and sounds free of charge but with the opportunity to leave a donation which Perth Strathearn Round Table will distribute to local causes. Additionally, the large influx of people in to Perth will help support local businesses as the crowds arrive and disperse through the town centre. 5.26 The event provides a safe, family friendly environment for all inhabitants of the Common Good area where they can enjoy a well organised bonfire and fireworks display. The event helps to reduce the number of smaller, unorganised and sporadic private firework displays. Unlike alternative private displays, the event is well publicised to ensure the times of the event, and more specifically, the times of the fireworks, are well known to the public. In previous years, this event has received significant recognition in the local press, within the community, and from officers at Perth Fire Station for providing a safe, centralised and accessible display for the people of Perth. Officers from Perth Fire Station agree that this event limits the number of smaller uncontrolled events where the risk of incidents is significantly increased. Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table intend to work with The Scottish Fire Service again this year. In addition to the bonfire and fireworks display, Perth Strathearn Round Table arranges entertainment, music, a funfair and food vendors. All labour is free of charge provided by volunteers for the setup, running of the event, cleanup, and all admin activities prior. Skip hire is donated each year whilst donations of pallets for the bonfire, and vehicle hire are common each year though never guaranteed so these costs may reduce. It is hoped that Perth and Kinross Councill will continue to cover traffic management costs, as in previous years. 5.27 Grant funding goes directly towards the cost of the fireworks display, first aid, equipment for building the bonfire, barriers etc. In recent years it has also gone towards additional costs which had previously been covered by Perth and Kinross Council, such as security and sound system. If full grant funding is not received this year, the pyro musical element will be cut for a second year. Community feedback was that this was disappointing last year. 5.28 Exact numbers of Common Good area residents attending the event are hard to estimate, but the fireworks will be visitable across the whole of Perth. It is estimated that 10,000 people attend in person. Whilst the majority of attendees are from Perth and Kinross, with events in other local areas, such as Dundee, ceasing, there will also be attendees from further afield.
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5.29 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Fireworks Display Quote £9,600 Pyromusical Quote £7,800 First Aid Event Cover 2025 costs plus inflation £912 Greenspace Application Fee 2025 costs plus inflation £138 Welfare Units 2025 costs plus inflation £452 Crowd Control Barriers 2025 costs plus inflation £1,134 Barrier drop off/collection charge 2025 costs plus inflation £567 Equipment Hire (telehandler etc) 2025 costs plus inflation £637 Food and drink for volunteers 2025 costs plus inflation £101 Forth Crossing Security 2025 costs plus inflation £1,890 Bin hire and collection 2025 costs plus inflation £119 Portaloo Hire 2025 costs plus inflation £260 Hay bales and diesel Forecast £200 Pallet purchases Estimate £490 Vehicle Hire Estimate £500 Total proposed expenditure £24,800 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £24,800 5.30 Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table have received the following funding from the Perth Common Good Fund over the last three years: Year Award Project 2025/26 £20,000 Annual Fireworks Event 2024/25 £20,000 (only £4304.26 claimed as event cancelled) Annual Fireworks Event 2023/24 £22,000 Annual Fireworks Event Consideration 5.31 A grant of up to £20,000 would be in line with the annual budget set aside. Perth Academy Parent Council 5.32 Perth Academy Parent Council is seeking £1,500 to support the school to take part in the LGBT Charter for Education. 5.33 Perth Academy Parent Council support the school’s vision and values and represent the views of all parents encouraging links between the school, parents, pupils, and the wider community. Perth Academy is one of the oldest secondary schools in Scotland and the values that underpin their vision are Respect, Integrity, Safety and Equity. #
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They are committed to providing a learning environment where every young person feels valued, included and able to reach their full potential. They strive to be modern and innovative, to ensure fairness in all aspects of school life and to remove barriers that may prevent pupils, staff, parents and carers from participating fully in their community. They have a dedicated, pupil-led LGBT group that consists of pupils from S1 to S6 and is facilitated by a Pupil Support Assistant and member of the Guidance team. The group meets weekly to discuss all matters related to LGBT including inclusiveness in the curriculum and wider school community, bullying issues, supporting pupils identifying as LGBT, looking at ways to raise awareness and looking at ideas to celebrate diversity such as School Diversity Week. 5.34 The LGBT Charter for Education programme, is a nationally recognised initiative delivered by LGBT Youth Scotland. The programme is designed to support schools in developing inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ learners, staff, and the wider community. Aligned with the four capacities of Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, the Charter specifically contributes to the “Ethos and Life of the School and Community” by promoting equality, respect, and inclusion. Perth Academy plan to work initially towards achieving the Bronze award, with an anticipated completion timeframe of approximately 18 months. At its core, the initiative aims to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, foster shared learning experiences, and encourage collaboration. Participation will create opportunities for members of the school community to reflect on and challenge their own understanding of LGBTQ+ topics. This process is intended to deepen awareness, increase empathy, and strengthen support for LGBTQ+ individuals. A key focus is empowering young people to feel more confident in asking questions, contributing to curriculum development, and addressing barriers that may negatively impact LGBTQ+ learners’ experiences in school. 5.35 The decision to pursue this initiative has been informed by both national and local evidence. Findings from LGBT Youth Scotland’s 2022 survey, highlight significant concerns in the Tayside area. Notably, only 10% of young people rated their school experience positively. Feedback from Perth Academy’s own LGBT pupil group further reinforces these concerns, with students expressing a lack of visibility in subjects such as Personal and Social Education and English. Inspection reports from HM Inspectorate of Education in 2023 and 2024 provide additional evidence that further development is needed in addressing diversity, prejudice, and discrimination. Inspectors noted that pupils’ understanding of these issues is underdeveloped and recommended a stronger focus on equality, protected characteristics, and monitoring of discriminatory incidents. A follow-up inspection also identified insufficient progress in wellbeing, highlighting the need for strategies that ensure all young people feel treated fairly and equitably. The project will involve close collaboration with LGBT Youth Scotland and engagement with local organisations such as GLOW, Perthshire Pride, and The Lighthouse for Perth. Achieving the Bronze award is the primary goal, but the school also aims to establish a sustainable, student-led group to continue progressing towards Silver and Gold accreditation.
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Ultimately, the initiative seeks to position Perth Academy as a confident and visible champion of LGBTQ+ inclusion, where all members of the school community feel safe, valued, and supported. 5.36 It is expected that 921 pupils, 89 teaching staff, and 35 support staff within the school, as well as parents and carers in the broader community will benefit. 5.37 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount LGBT Charter for Education, training and support Brochure £1,500 Total proposed expenditure £1,500 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £1,500 5.38 Perth Academy Parent Council have received the following funding from Perth Common Good Fund over the previous three years: Year Award Project 2026/27 £2468.25 World Challenge Trip Consideration 5.39 In line with Criteria 9.8 committee are asked to consider the application and agree any level of funding to be awarded. 6. Capital Grants Perth and District Ex-Service Club 6.1 Perth and District Ex-Service Club are seeking £12,279 towards roof replacement works. 6.2 Perth and District Ex-Service Club (“the Club”) provides a social meeting space for ex-service personnel and associate members. They provide entertainment and events such as the Armed Forces and Veteran’s lunch club. The Club is also available to host functions for members and non- members alike, such as weddings and funeral teas. The Club’s home in Milne Street, Perth, has a roof which is now 25 years old and has many leaks, including a large leak from January this year. The roof needs to be replaced to prevent further damage. The Club has 1300 members, 1140 of whom are from the Common Good Area. People who hire the function rooms will also benefit from the work, the majority of whom are from the Common Good Area. The new roof will be guaranteed for 15 years and will be monitored annually to ensure good upkeep.
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6.3 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Roof Repairs Quotations £49,119.2 Total proposed expenditure £49,119.2 Refurbishment account £8,773 Blackwatch Donation £1,000 WRAC Donation £100 Assoc. Perth Veterans Donation £500 Perth Locksmith’s Donation £1,000 Private individual donations £500 Social Fund £1,000 Various Cash Donations to Date £2,100 Go Fund Me £1,211 Various Fundraising Events (pending) £6,020 Business donations following letter drop £3,000 Other donations (pending) £3,000 Bank Loan Shortfall Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £12,279 6.4 Perth & District Ex-Service Club have not received Common Good Funding in the previous three years. Consideration 6.5 A grant of up to £12,179 is considered consistent with criteria 10.4 7. Conclusion 7.1 The Committee is asked to consider the applications and agree any financial assistance to be awarded. 8. Impact and Value Assessment Perth Common Good Fund - Applications for Financial Assistance 9. Appendices Appendix 1: Perth Common Good Fund Criteria Appendix 2: Recent RVS Activity Report