Port of Cromarty Firth Continues Support for Blooming Gardeners with £2,500 Donation

The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) has reaffirmed its long standing support for the Blooming Gardeners project with a donation of £2,500 through its Community Sponsorship Programme.

The Port has supported Blooming Gardeners for a number of years, recognising the positive impact the project has on both participants and the wider community. This year’s funding will help the group purchase essential materials including soil, compost, plants and flowers, enabling them to continue creating vibrant displays throughout the area.

As part of the ongoing partnership, Blooming Gardeners will also provide colourful planters that will offer cruise passengers a warm welcome on their walking route between the ship and the West Harbour. They are also providing plants for the planters at the front of the Port’s offices.

Blooming Gardeners has been operating for more than 6 years and provides valuable opportunities for vulnerable adults to develop practical horticultural skills, build confidence and reduce social isolation in a supportive environment. The project also plays an important role in enhancing local communities through its planting and beautification work.

Fiona Sim, (Chair) of Blooming Gardeners, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Port of Cromarty Firth for its continued support over many years. This funding allows us to continue providing meaningful opportunities for our gardeners while helping to brighten our communities with colourful floral displays.

“We are particularly pleased that our planters will be displayed at the Port, where they can be enjoyed by the many visitors who come to the area each year. We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the Port.”

Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “Blooming Gardeners is a fantastic project that delivers real benefits for participants, their families and the wider community. We have been proud to support the group for many years and are delighted to provide further funding to help them continue their valuable work.

“The beautiful planters produced by the gardeners make a real difference to local environments, and we are pleased to be able to showcase their work at the Port, helping create a vibrant welcome for staff, port users and visitors.”

The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of local people.

Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.

Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:
Skills development, employability or job creation,
Vessel crew or passenger support,
Environmental protection or enhancement,
Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.

Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.