At the most recent meeting, members approved a total of £1875 to the groups who were applying for a wide range of activities and events to continue to create sustainable, connected communities and to help people live the healthiest lives possible.

The full list of recipients are:

• South Parish Rambling Club, East Kilbride - £300 for an outing
• Strathaven Business Association - £535 for equipment, temporary public entertainment licence, administration and publicity costs
• Stonehouse Bowling Club - £200 for an outing and entrance fees
• Allers Allotments Association, East Kilbride - £240 for materials
• Jackton Primary School Parent Council, East Kilbride - £600 for equipment, administration and publicity costs

The community grants scheme was established and is run by the council to fund activities and projects that bring communities together and that promote educational, recreational, leisure and other activities, or improve the local environment. 

Support can be provided for everything from excursions and entrance fees to admin and start-up costs and special events.

The funding comes as local food banks are to receive a £40,000 boost from South Lanarkshire Council.

The money will be shared between seven food banks operating across Clydesdale, East Kilbride, Hamilton, and Cambuslang and Rutherglen.

Members of the council’s Executive Committee agreed last week to make the donations from the Community Grants budget for 2025-26.

Council leader Joe Fagan said: “My administration is keen to do as much as possible to tackle the continued costs of living pressures facing families, and to do more to tackle child poverty.

“So, I am delighted that the committee agreed that the remaining money from community grants for the current financial year should be handed to the food banks which are doing such good work locally.

“It is appalling that we need food banks in Scotland today but, given that this is the reality of the situation, it is good that we can help them with a direct donation to help put food in the mouths of those who need it.”

The food banks are:

• EK Community Foodbank
• Loaves and Fishes
• Clyde, Avon and Nethan Foodbank
• Hamilton Foodbank
• Cambuslang and Rutherglen Foodbank
• Clydesdale Foodbank
• St Anthony’s and St Mark’s Foodbank.