Children throughout the Galson community-owned estate will be able to join in sport, play and musical activities through the coming winter for just £1 a session – thanks to a wide-ranging subsidy by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG).

And the news, announced on Saturday (19 November) has been greeted with great acclaim by westside families, with many describing the initiative as ‘amazing’, ‘incredible’ and ‘fantastic.’

Activities at Spornis and Taigh Dhonnchaidh are among those to offer the subsidised activities from 1 December, with other organisations urged to get in touch if they would like to participate in the scheme.

A spokesperson for UOG said: “In recognition of the financial difficulties that families are facing, we are providing funding to ensure that all children’s activities within the estate will be subsidised over the winter for a period of four months.

“With the rapid rise in in fuel and food costs, families are making tough decisions about what they can and cannot afford to do.

“Sports clubs, music lessons and other activities are often the first to get sacrificed, but removing this important aspect of children’s lives can have detrimental effects both physically and mentally.

“From 1 December 2022 to 31 March 2023, all paid children’s activities on Galson Estate will be subsidised, reducing the cost to £1.

“As a consequence, it is hoped that the estate’s children will continue to do the sports, music and clubs they love.”

The Urras also says they plan to launch a similar scheme for adults as part of the regular winter ‘Sunnd’ programme, which runs throughout January, February and March.