Congratulations to COAST

That the Parliament congratulates the leading community marine conservation charity, the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), on receiving funding worth £164,762 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, match-funded by the Highlands and Islands Environment Foundation and the Helvellyn Foundation; is aware that this was made possible by National Lottery players, and is for the exciting new project, Now You SEA It!, which is aimed at expanding engagement with young people across North Ayrshire, as well as allowing COAST to carry out the scoping stage for the potential redevelopment of its Discovery Centre and grounds; considers that, for the last 25 years, COAST has been at the forefront of community-led marine conservation in Scotland, largely powered by sheer determination with strong community support; understands that this vital funding will allow it to invest the time in capacity building for the future to ensure the longevity of the organisation; acknowledges that these recent grants represent a significant milestone for COAST, enabling it to reach more young individuals and make an even greater impact on their lives, while also supporting internal organisational development of the charity, and wishes the executive director, Áine Purcell-Milton, the chair, Cicely Gill, and everyone at COAST continuing success for the months and years ahead.