The Merchants House of Glasgow has announced the allocation of more than £130,000 in grant funding to support charitable initiatives and community organisations across Glasgow and the West of Scotland. This funding reinforces the House’s long-standing commitment to creating meaningful, positive change in the local community.
Lord Dean of Guild, Andrew McFarlane, said:
“At the Merchants House of Glasgow, our mission has always been to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in our city and beyond. These grants are an essential part of our ongoing efforts to assist local charities that are addressing vital needs and making a difference every day.”
The funds will support a variety of causes, including healthcare, education, and social welfare, reflecting the Merchants House’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of Glasgow and its surrounding areas.
Charities Benefiting from the Grants
One of the grant recipients, Barmulloch Community Development Company, was awarded £3,250. A spokesperson for the organisation said:
“We know that our community is badly impacted by food insecurity. The support from Merchants House will mean that we can offer a weekly Meet & Eat social and improve access to a vital necessity for local people. We are also hoping that the project will help reduce social isolation in the community, something we know has a detrimental impact. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of the Merchants House – thank you!”
The Glasgow Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, which received a £3,000 grant, expressed their gratitude:
*”Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting equine therapy sessions for disabled pupils of Govan High School. RDA Glasgow Group is about more than pony rides. Friendly RDA volunteers from different backgrounds come together with compassion so riders can achieve more than what many thought possible.
Participants feel a huge sense of accomplishment on being presented with rosettes that recognise the new skills they have learned. Your kindness means over two hundred disabled participants gain confidence in themselves and learn the joy of connecting with horses. We know how much our riding at RDA Glasgow Group means to our riders and the great benefit to their wellbeing.”*
Another recipient, Nil by Mouth, received a £2,000 grant to expand their ‘Us and Them’ programme in Renfrewshire. The organisation, which works to challenge sectarianism and prejudicial attitudes, stated:
*”Funding from The Merchants House provides the opportunity to bring the ‘Us and Them’ programme to Renfrewshire, working with teenagers identified as at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour around Scottish football.
This support assists us in effectively challenging sectarian and prejudicial attitudes, ensuring participants gain a better understanding of cultures and beliefs different to their own. Because of your generosity and partnership, we can make a real difference at what is a pivotal time in these young people’s lives while continuing to strive for meaningful change. Scotland can be better and bolder than bigotry!”*
A Legacy of Giving
Lord Dean McFarlane further emphasised the power of collective action, stating:
“As a community, we are stronger when we come together to support those in need. The Merchants House has a rich history of charitable giving, and this funding allows us to continue that tradition, making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.”
Founded in 1605, the Merchants House of Glasgow has been a cornerstone of the city’s development and charitable efforts for over 400 years. In the past five years alone, the organisation has donated more than £1.2 million to local causes, solidifying its role as one of Glasgow’s leading charitable institutions.
