Groups and individuals working with North Ayrshire Council to promote 2014 as a special year for residents can apply for Legacy Grant Funding.

Sums of £500, £1,000 or £2,000 will be awarded to successful applicants whose events and activities meet certain criteria.

Funding consideration will be given to the following: Public events and activities taking place in North Ayrshire on the day of the Queen’s Baton Relay (Tuesday, July 15).

Public events and activities that promote and encourage participation in sport and physical activity.

Events and activities that celebrate and commemorate the various special occasions happening throughout 2014.

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer will be the showpiece event of a special year which will also feature a wide programme of Homecoming celebrations, commemorative activities for the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and the staging of the Ryder Cup Golf Tournament in Scotland – only the second time it has been held here in 87 years.

Online application forms are now available on the North Ayrshire Council website – www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Click into ”What’s happening in 2014?” and then search for “Support and Assistance”.

The website contains more details on which types of event qualify for grant funding and the criteria for applications.

Printed forms are available from the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine. (Tel 01294 274059) The forms must be submitted by Monday 5 May and awards will be allocated shortly after.

Audrey Sutton, North Ayrshire Council’s Head of Community and Culture, said: “There is a lot happening nationally to mark this special year and, here in North Ayrshire, we have a number of groups keen to participate at a local level.

“Legacy Grants will give these groups a helping hand to stage smaller community events which will extend the reach of the celebrations even further.” The Council website also contains information on national awarding bodies who are funding a variety of initiatives and activities across the different aspects of the celebrations and commemorations of 2014.