BUCHAN COUNCILLOR WELCOMES FRUIT MART INITIATIVE

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee Councillor Stuart Pratt has welcomed the official opening of the Fruit Mart in Longside by Community Food Intitiatives North-east (CFINe).

Speaking at the official opening of the premises in Longside yesterday, which was performed by Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment Richard Lochhead MSP, Councillor Pratt said:

“It is an honour to be here at the opening of this very welcome enterprise.

“The Fruit Mart will increase employment training for adults with learning difficulties, which is funded through a Service Level Agreement with Aberdeenshire Council. It will increase access to low cost, high quality fruit and veg for those living in the Buchan area and will help support the local economy at this challenging time.

“This project meets all the priorities set down by Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership and has been awarded funding from the Fairer Scotland Fund. This funding will be used to improve health, employment, and access to services for those who require additional support. It will also reduce rural isolation and increase the usage of Healthy Start Vouchers that support families to eat more fruit and veg.”