The First Belladrum Trust Beneficiaries
Fifteen community groups and individuals across the Belladrum Festival local area receive grant funding, with second funding round confirmed.
The Belladrum Festival Community Trust (BFCT) has announced the first recipients of its community grant funding, with fifteen organisations within local vicinity to Belladrum Estate receiving support in the Trust’s inaugural round.
The Trust, launched by Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in late 2025 was created to ensure money generated by the festival car parking ticket sales is reinvested directly back into the local communities surrounding the festival site.
Funding for the Trust grants has been generated through the introduction of our car parking pass scheme, first implemented in 2024 to help improve traffic flow and encourage more sustainable travel to the event. Community groups, schools, sports clubs and local initiatives within the surrounding Community Council areas were invited to apply, with successful projects reflecting the breadth of activity taking place across the area.
All of the local schools within the eligible areas received funding to support their requests which includeeducational opportunities and improvements for pupils, includingcontributions towards school trips and new outdoor seating. Youth and family groups have also benefited, with the Kiltarlity Baby and Toddler Group able to invest in new play equipment for local children.
Organisations awarded funding in the first round include 7th Inverness (Aird) Scout Group, Abriachan Forest Trust, Aird Community Trust, Beauly & District Care Lunch Club, Beauly Community Council’s Beauly in Bloom initiative, Cannich First Responders, Culburnie Croft,Kirkhill Primary School and Shinty Team, Lovat Shinty Club, Teanassie Primary School and Tomnacross Parent Council, among others.
“Belladrum has always had strong roots in the surrounding communities, and it’s incredibly rewarding to now see the Community Trust directly supporting so many fantastic local projects. The variety of groups receiving funding really reflects the strength and diversity of our local communities, from schools and youth groups to environmental initiatives and grassroots sport.”
Naomi Hollas, Festival Co-ordinator
The Belladrum Festival Community Trust was established following the introduction of our new car parking pass system, introduced after the 2023 event as part of a major overhaul of traffic management. The initiative has helped us better predict vehicle numbers while also encouraging car sharing, the use of public transport and shuttle services.
All money raised through the car parking pass sales (after operational and staffing costs) has been allocated directly to the Trust to fund community grants.
Following the success of the first funding round, we’re delighted to confirmed that a second round of applications will open in June, giving more local organisations the opportunity to benefit. Those interested in potential funding are encouraged to follow us on social media to keep up to date with launch dates and information on how to apply when this becomes available.
Pictured: Lovat Shinty and Kirkhill Primary (on their school trip!)
The Belladrum Festival Community Trust (BFCT) is a registered Scottish charity SC054123.
Further information on the BFCT is available online.
The full list of grant recipients are as follows:
· 7th Inverness (Aird) Scout Group. Outdoor activity area for the use of the Scout Group and the wider community with equipment and shelter for outdoor activities in all seasons.
· Abriachan Forest Trust. To employ a park ranger to engage with and deliver a programme of hands-on activities for families and groups using the forest during 2026
· Kirkhill Community Food Growing Group. For raised beds, tools and seeds to grow veggies - engaging primary school children and other members of our community. The produce will be harvested by local people, or by groups that use the community centre.
· Beauly & District Care Lunch Club. Food, refreshments, entertainment and gifts for the Kirkhill Senior Citizens Christmas Party
· Aird Community Trust. Provision of a new freestanding commercial oven for the monthly elderly lunch club.
· Beauly In Bloom. Replacement of Village Square Flower Boxes in partnership with The Men's Shed.
· Beauly Primary School. Provision of 4 outdoor picnic benches
· Cannich First Responders. To restart the Cannich Community First Responders (CFR) Group and provide prehospital care in emergencys in rural communities to help preserve life whilst awaiting an ambulance arrival.
· Culburnie Community Gatherings. Shinty equipment, BBQ and PA for "Ceilidh on the Croft" community event.
· Kiltarlity Baby and Toddler group. New play equipment
· Kirkhill Primary School. Bus fee for P6 and P7 (10-12 year olds) trip to Edinburgh to visit Parliament and Dynamic Earth.
· Kirkhill Primary Shinty Team. Equipment for new shinty players,
· Leo Wilson. Funding for Leo to attend Glachbeg Farm (additional support needs schooling) to support him socially and developmentally.
· Lovat Shinty Team. Equipment for a new girls shinty team.
· Teanassie Primary School. 3 outdoor benches.
· Tomnacross Parent Council. New playground equipment.