A wide array of projects Cumbrae which are geared towards improving people’s skills are set to benefit from a £90,000 fund.

More than 25 organisations, business and individuals on Cumbrae and Arran have successfully applied for a share of the skills funding.

North Ayrshire Council invited applications for the Scottish Government’s Islands Skills Fund to support initiatives that help people get the right skills to get into or improve employment.

The fund will support skills development in a wide range of ways from lambing to specialist counselling, and from weaving to hospitality, with grants ranging from £950 to £7,500.

It is hoped that by supporting such an array of innovative initiatives, skills will be developed to deliver economic benefits to the Island and support the priorities in the Island Plans.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands, says he is delighted to see a diverse list of successful applicants for the fund.

He said: “The aim of the programme is to support the resilience of our island economies, and to ensure that people have the right skills both now, and in the future, to help drive economic growth.

“I’m sure the fund will make a real difference and provide long-term benefits and Cumbrae moving forward.”

The funding was available to groups, businesses or individuals who met specific criteria including providing short-term skills that met local needs and employment priorities.