MORE than 80 charities across the region have benefitted from hand-outs as part of Glasgow Airport's FlightPath Fund.

Established in 2010, the project was set up to provide grant assistance to organisations working in and around the airport.

In 2018, 83 groups from across Renfrewshire, Glasgow, East and West Dunbartonshire were awarded more than £140,000.

More than £20,000 has been awarded to a dozen Glasgow-based groups this year including the Antonine Court, which was given £2,210 to purchase two new sets of tonechimes used in therapeutic music sessions.

The Drumchapel-based centre, which provides day opportunities, care and support to people with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs, previously had to borrow a set of chimes from another group in order to host the sessions.

Louise Lawson, centre manager at Antonine Court, said: “We’re really grateful to have received support from the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund.

"Having our own set of chimes ensures service users get the opportunity, regardless of their impairments or disability, to learn to play a musical instrument and make music as a group with their friends.

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“The music sessions give our service users a sense of achievement and have boosted their team work skills.

"Amongst other things each session helps improve motor skills, promotes social skills, and enhances co-ordination, auditory responses and range of motion. Most of all each session is fun.”

Since its inception, the fund has given £1.5 million in donations to over 550 charities and community groups with a focus on improving education and employment, as well as the environment.

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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: “Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund has been a force for good throughout its neighbouring communities for more than eight years now and continues to support hundreds of charities and groups across four local authorities.

“I’m pleased to say this year has been exceptional with the FlightPath Fund providing vital support to a diverse range of organisations including young carer groups, primary and secondary school projects, community sports and improvement groups and charities helping some of the most vulnerable people in society.

“Antonine Court is a fine example of the projects supported by the FlightPath Fund and the work being carried out by the centre is fantastic.