We, a group of Syrian New Scots, are embarking on a remarkable journey to promote cultural understanding, foster unity, and build bridges within our local community. Our project, "Bridging Communities Through Syrian Cuisine," is a testament to our belief that food can transcend borders and create meaningful connections.

Our Vision

Our vision is simple yet profound: by sharing the rich heritage of our cuisine, music, and traditions, we aim to bring Scottish, Syrian, and other communities together through food. It's about celebrating the universal language of food as a catalyst for stronger, more inclusive communities.

Our Culinary Heritage

At the heart of our project lies the vibrant tapestry of Syrian cuisine. Iconic dishes like falafel and kebabs serve as gateways to the soul of Syrian culture. Through these flavors, we hope to introduce our Scottish neighbors to a world of tastes and traditions.

Our Inclusive Approach

Inclusivity is at the core of our project. Regardless of cultural backgrounds, we extend an open invitation to all members of the local community. It's about creating a space where diversity is celebrated, and friendships are forged.

Our Plan

Over the course of our project, we intend to host ten large brunch sessions at Whitehirst Community Centre. Each session promises to be a sensory delight, featuring expertly prepared Syrian cuisine, live music, and laughter. These gatherings aren't just about savoring delicious food; they are opportunities for genuine cultural exchange and interaction.

By sharing our culture and embracing others with open hearts, we aim to build a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community. We kindly request support to turn this vision into reality and create a brighter future for all. Together, we believe we can build bridges, one meal at a time.

Costs:

Food ingredients per session £100 x 10 = £1000. (enough to feed 30+ people per session).

We are applying for funding to enable our group members to plan and experience a trip to the theatre and afternoon tea up in Glasgow in the new year.

Social activities such as this can have a genuinely positive impact of the health and wellbeing of older people.  This is especially true in the winter months when the cost of living and social isolation can have a significantly negative impact on people’s lives, especially for older members of the community.  This would be an opportunity for our group members to experience a special outing which many would not be able to access independently due challenges faced through physical health and mental wellbeing.

To enable us to do this we would use any funding we received for:

Transport to Glasgow: £160

Theatre tickets: £560

Afternoon Tea: £280

A 'Wendy House' style shed for equipment to be stored safely in a child friendly and all weather setting. Cost £500

Raised and flat planters for herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetables. Cost £250

Seeds and young plants to be planted seasonally. Cost £150

Tactile and Sound items such as cedar shillings, lava stones and wind chimes. Cost £100

• The tubs across from the school are already tended by the Primary school year round. We have a janitor who is employed all year and she does this and would take charge of the sensory garden during the holidays.

• The Primary school has a very close relationship with the community. We have had daffodil tea afternoons and Christmas Coffee afternoons which are open to the village residents. We use the local church for school services and we would look into a collaboration with the Warm Rooms. Due to school risk assessments and council restrictions for people who are not part of the school community, it would not be feasible to have them come to the garden. However having spoken to a member of the church and Warm Room volunteer they feel it would be of benefit to them to have flowers, drawings and a presentation when the work is completed. 

• Whiting Bay benefits from a Community Land Initiative and we would be working in conjunction with them to source sustainable and local plants

The cost of bringing one author to Arran including travel to the island,  overnight accommodation, subsistence plus their fee (on average) was  £500  in 2022 - all depending on where they are travelling from.

It is anticipated this figure will increase for 2024. At the moment our Wee Mac Programme is expected to have 8 guest events over the two days

Venue hire for 2 days - final figure yet to be advised by AHM Committee but the very modest sum of  £200  hire fee is expected to increase for 2024.

Set up of Microphone, Speaker/Sound equipment and cabling - supply and in person support for Wee Mac over two days £350 

The funding we are applying for would be used to cover :-

Arran Heritage Museum venue hire costs, sound engineer and any balance left to help towards the cost of one programme guest.

Our postcard collection was digitised last winter using private facilities. The remaining collections should be digitised inhouse.   This will be an opporunity for our current and new members/volunteers to come together over the winter months while the museum is closed to the general public.   This project will be a major contribution to ensuring that our heritage is safely recorded for future generations. To make this possible we would kindly ask for funding towards: 

Viisan S21 A2 Overhead Scanner £335 Epson FastFoto FF-680W Scanner £440 Brother MFC-J5345DW Scanner/copier £160 Toshiba 2TB Canvio Basics Portable External Hard Drive £50

To book the mobile cinema for one session - £250

Purchase of food for a meal for 120 individuals  at £3.50 per head - £420

Snacks for during the film for 120 at £1.50 per head - £180

Selections boxes for  children - £150

The children at St Luke's EYC have access to outdoors for most of the day. This is free flow where children choose to go out. The parent council would like to help pay for the replacement of waterproof suits and be able to provide wellies for all the children. This supports the cost of the school day as parents will not be asked to provide suits or wellies for their child to access the outdoors. Health and well-being is very important and by allowing children to be outdoors supports their mental health and physical development. 

We are looking to purchase

- 54 waterproof suits - approx £15 each (£810)

 19 - welly boots - approx £10 each (£190)