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Green councillor hails “Grant a Grand” scheme success in South West Edinburgh

A new “participatory budgeting” scheme in south west Edinburgh has been hailed as a big hit after more than 600 young people voted in “Grant a Grand” for £1,000 each.

At the finale on Friday 26 February, attended by the city’s Lord Provost and Government minister Marco Biagi, the 10 winning projects were announced out of 16 contenders. Winners included a “Parkour” scheme at Wester Hailes, bike and music projects at Tynecastle High School, football provision for young homeless people and local girls; camping equipment for scouts; and Gorgie City Farm.

Local Green councillor, Gavin Corbett, has championed participatory budgeting in the area for over 2 years. He said.

“I am delighted to see that over 600 young people, aged 10-19, voted and that such a wide range of projects both entered and were successful. There was a real buzz in the room as the results were announced today.

“I now look forward to this kind of scheme – where local people themselves vote for funding priorities – go from strength to strength.”