SWA
SWA to provide awards for initiatives addressing alcohol misuse. Credit: Michael Mroczek on Unsplash.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has provided grants to 13 projects working to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland.

The SWA created the Scotch Whisky Action Fund in 2013 to award projects addressing alcohol misuse. It granted a total of £100,000 a year from 2013 to 2018.

The fund is managed by independent charity Foundation Scotland, which has made grants this year totalling £175,000.

Foundation Scotland CEO Giles Ruck said: “Now in its fifth year, the Scotch Whisky Action Fund continues to support innovative projects across Scotland. All of the projects funded will work within their community tackling and reducing alcohol-related harm.”

“All of the projects funded will work within their community tackling and reducing alcohol-related harm.”

The projects that have been selected by the SWA include the Alcohol Education Trust, Crossreach, the Edinburgh Young Carers Project (EYCP), Eildon West Youth Hub, Fast Forward and the Health Opportunities Team.

Other projects selected include the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, Oban Addiction Support and Information Service, and Stoneyburn & Bents Future Vision Group.

SWA chief executive Karen Betts said: “The Scotch Whisky industry is committed to tackling alcohol misuse across Scotland.

“Since the Scotch Whisky Action Fund was established in 2013, the industry has supported a diverse range of community-led programmes across the country to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse.

“This year the awards reflect a greater emphasis on educating young people and other at-risk groups about the risks of alcohol misuse.”