A DUNBAR-based group is celebrating after securing a six-figure sum to help boost jobs in the food industry, including creating a new local produce market.

The Ridge (Scotland) CIC is to receive a two-year grant of £200,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund.

The social enterprise group was established just two years ago.

It aims to address the “geographical isolation” of the area through the creation of local training and jobs, and supporting the development of the local economy, in particular the production, processing and marketing of food.

Kate Darrah, from the group, was delighted with the cash boost.

She said: “With this major grant, The Ridge will be able to provide a tailored, accredited training programme, getting people ready for work in the local job market (food production, horticulture, and fisheries); work with local traders to create a new food and local produce market in Dunbar; and help local food businesses to develop a co-ordinated delivery service.

“This will have a direct impact on the local economy, supporting local businesses and creating local jobs.” Already, The Ridge has been involved in a number of different pilot projects over the past year.

That includes at schools (primaries and Dunbar Grammar), East Lothian Council (Activity Agreements), REHIS training, Belhaven Hospital Community Garden, Dunbar Community Kitchen and Dunbar Community Woodland.

Mrs Darrah, a founding director, added: “The geographical isolation issue is particularly relevant with regard to accessing training – or indeed poorly paid jobs elsewhere – as public transport is so exorbitantly expensive, and so irregular.

“Also, so many training courses are so difficult to get to – e.g. horticulture/rural skills at Oatridge College, West Lothian, [which is] a 100-mile round trip, or most of Edinburgh College campuses, which involve crossing town even after arriving on the bus/train from Dunbar, and SEAFISH training for fishermen at Eyemouth, inaccessible by public transport from Dunbar, in time for course starts.” The Ridge is SQA-accredited and is developing a portfolio of courses, including practical skills in horticulture and cooking, as well as employability, entrepreneurship and financial awareness.

Already, The Ridge is aiming to support pupils from the town’s secondary school, as well as unemployed adults who are ready for the world of work.

Mrs Darrah added: “We look forward to working with local groups and individuals, over the coming two years to ensure funds are put to best use.”