Forest Friends was established to provide opportunities for young people in the Clydesdale area of South Lanarkshire to gain access to their local greenspaces and offer them the chance to play and learn in a safe and inspirational environment. Forest Friends now deliver sessions to young people from age 2 to mid-20s, where they actively encourage them to learn about the local environment and to see, first hand, why it is important to protect it.

Forest Friends wanted to deliver a year-long programme of outdoor activities for a group of pupils at Carluke High School, which upon completion will see them gain a qualification in Forestry and Outdoor Learning at SCQF Level 4 (Nat4). To help them deliver this project, they requested a grant from Loaningdale School Company.

The Loaningdale School Company were pleased to provide the requested funds, as they believe in the importance of giving children opportunities to flourish and have amazing experiences.

Carluke United is a youth football club which provides opportunities for children living in the South Lanarkshire area to access football coaching and training.  They play competitive football under the auspices of the Scottish Youth Football Association.

Loaningdale School Company were delighted to provide a grant to this organisation, allowing them to purchase tracksuits for their “2010” team, which consists of children who were all born in 2010.  We wish them continued success in the future.

The Coalburn Brass Band Family are based in Coalburn, South Lanarkshire and have three brass bands in their organisation: the Bronze Band, the Intermediate Band and the Silver Band.

They also have developed a Percussion Academy, where they provide lessons to young people, to support and lead them into joining one of the bands.

Each year, the young members of the Coalburn Brass Band Family attend a summer course in the north-east of Scotland, where the young people have an opportunity to learn and mix with other young people from all over the country. 

The Loaningdale School Company are thrilled to be able to continue to support the Coalburn Brass Band Family attending this annual excursion.

Barn Buddies is an organisation that provides equine-assisted learning to school children throughout the Clydesdale area of South Lanarkshire.  The children build confidence through their interactions with the ponies, where they are encouraged to groom them and lead them around various courses.  Barn Buddies also provide an equine sensory programme for children with more complex needs.