The Ardbeg All Islay Fund, established in 2022 with a £1million donation by the distillery after the record breaking sale of Ardbeg Islay’s Cask No.3 for £16m to a private collector, has allocated £200K to environmental and community projects on the island over five years aiming to support sustainability projects and local organisations.
Partnering with South Islay Development (SID), a local development organisation, in its first year, the fund invited sustainability projects and organisations such as sports and cultural groups to apply for support, with 28 organisations given funding in 2023. These included the Islay Karate Club, the Bowmore Lunch Club and the Islay Book Festival.
The Ardbeg All Islay Fund is now inviting applications for the next £200K allocation, which will be awarded from spring 2024 onwards. The funding is intended to support Islay-based organisations and projects that promote active lives, community resilience, and environmental improvement. The panel will consist of two SID directors, five local community members, and a Glenmorangie Company representative.
Caspar MacRae, CEO of the Glenmorangie Company, said, “We’re delighted to see so many members of the Islay community enjoying the benefits of The Ardbeg All Islay Fund in its first year. It’s great that it’s already making a real difference to life on the island.”
Pat McGrann, SID Chair, said, “There is no shortage of creativity, imagination and community spirit on Islay, so it’s wonderful to see people embracing the opportunities presented by The Ardbeg All Islay Fund. I hope other groups and organisations will feel inspired to get their applications in for 2024 and see how together with the help of the fund they can help our community to flourish even more.”
Charlène Busalli, Chair of Islay Book Festival, added, “The aim of the Islay Book Festival is to be as inclusive as we can, by keeping our events affordable and catering for every age group and all reading tastes. In 2023, thanks to this funding, we were able to widen our programme and make the event as accessible as possible to as many people as possible. If any of my fellow Islanders are seeking support for their community initiative, I heartily recommend applying to The Ardbeg All Islay Fund!”
Picture: Casper MacRae
