GROUPS and charities in the communities surrounding Glasgow Airport have benefitted from more than £1 million from the company’s FlightPath Fund since it was set up five years ago.

Managing director Amanda McMillan announced the major milestone at the fund’s annual celebration event in Bearsden yesterday.

She said: “We set up the FlightPath Fund to ensure the communities around the airport share in our success.

“The fact that it has now surpassed £1 million is testament to the huge amount of energy and enthusiasm that the independent committee puts into operating and managing it.

“Five years ago we had no idea how well the fund would be received or how many lives it would touch.

“The committee has helped to shape its fortunes, making the fund the excellent and reputed resource it is today.”

Since its inception, the fund has given donations to more than 350 charities and community groups in Renfrewshire, Glasgow and East and West Dunbartonshire with a focus on improving education and employment, as well as the environment.

The FlightPath Fund committee operates independently of the airport and is chaired by former KPMG senior partner, Archie Hunter. The committee meets every two months and also consists of an elected member or representative from each of the four council areas under the flight path.

Archie Hunter, chairman of the FlightPath Fund said: “It has been very encouraging to hear from some of the groups who have benefitted from the fund since its inception.

“Listening to them speak passionately about the work they do makes us even more determined to continue supporting our communities.”

Children at Bearsden Primary School were awarded £3168 from the FlightPath Fund to set up a lunchtime activity club called Enjoyaball, aimed at promoting sport and fitness, and helping boost confidence and teambuilding skills.

Headteacher Paul Meehan said: “This funding is fantastic – it helped us provide high quality, structured and fun games during lunch times to around 240 of our youngest pupils.”

The Argo Boxing Club, which runs boxing and exercise classes for men and women aged from nine to 55, received £1000 to purchase a range of new equipment.

Established more than 40 years ago, the boxing club consists of members from Drumchapel, Clydebank, Maryhill, Duntocher and Bearsden, and is run on a voluntary basis.

Head coach Davie Savage said: “The donation was great for us as we are self-funded. It has helped us upgrade basic equipment like gloves and ropes which makes a big difference.”

The Re-Tune project in the east end of Glasgow received £2000 from the airport to train 18 veterans in musical instrument repair and woodwork skills.

As well as providing the individuals with valuable skills to enhance their employability prospects, the ex-services personnel were also taught how to play stringed instruments such as the violin, guitar and cello.

David McHarg from the Re-Tune project said: “This funding was invaluable to our participants – it allowed us to build several new stringed instruments, one of which will be chosen and exhibited at the Craftex show within The Trades House in Glasgow later this year. We cannot thank the committee of the FlightPath Fund enough.”