Aberdeenshire Council have extended the time limit for businesses to take advantage of the Formartine Retail Improvement Scheme. The scheme provides grants of up to £5000 are available to assist with a wide range of internal and external improvements to properties.
To qualify for the Formartine Retail Improvement Scheme businesses must be based in the centres of Ellon, Turriff and Oldmeldrum, or in rural communities and villages in the Formartine area. The grants can be used for a range of work, including refurbishment of traditional architectural features, shop window displays, buying specialist equipment or redecoration of frontage.
The first grant under the scheme has been issued to Bliss Gift and Flower Boutique in Turriff to assist them with a to move into larger and more suitable premises in the centre of Turriff.
Gayle Thores, who co-owns the company with Tracey McIntosh and Angela Kinsella, said
We are delighted that this funding is available to businesses like ours. There was nothing like this that we could apply to when we first set up the business two years ago. The money has made life easier for us during the move which, for anybody, is always a stressful period. It’s given us some breathing space.
Bliss Gift and Flower Boutique will be moving from 14B Main Street to 10 Main Street, over the next few weeks.
Councillor Rob Merson, Chair of the Formartine Area Committee said
Given the interest in the scheme, we have decided to allow an extended period for businesses to make applications for assistance and to obtain the necessary estimates.
This project is an important part of our efforts to protect local businesses and keep the centres of our towns and villages vibrant and healthy.
Anybody interested in applying, or looking for more information about the Formartine Retail Improvement Scheme, can contact Douglas Rennie on 01466 628100 or email douglas.rennie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
