A £20,000 boost means the Tullis Russell Mills Band has been able to keep bringing Christmas cheer to Fifers.
The group was saved from falling silent thanks to the Fife Task Force, and celebrated at its annual carol concert.
It is one of a number of local projects to benefit from funding through the Fife Task Force, which is jointly supported by the Scottish Government and Fife Council.
The task force supports people, businesses and communities hit by the closure of Tullis Russell and other recent closures in the central Fife area.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Christmas is a time for communities to come together, something the people of Glenrothes have done with strength this year. “I am delighted to announce today that the Fife Task Force has hit the right notes, supporting this band by investing £20,000 to secure their future and growth.
“There is no better start to the festive season than to celebrate this support.”
The £20,000 awarded will support current activities and help protect the long-term future of the band, working towards achieving charitable status and establishing a local musical centre of excellence.
The band was last week joined by the Markinch and District Community Choir and the South Parks Primary School Choir to fill the Rothes Halls with festive music.
Fife Council leader David Ross said: “The Tullis Russell Mills Band is a highly valued local organisation that encourages young people into music and provides entertainment for many others.”
Tullis Russell Mills band leader Steven Craig said: “This summer the band feared for our future. We would have found it very difficult, especially over the next two to three years, to continue without this investment and support.
“It has not only helped the band enormously but it has given us confidence for the future.”
Fife Task Force has allocated a total of £6 million of support to local projects to develop business growth, community regeneration and business infra- structure in the region.
In addition to this, 288 of the 446 Tullis Russell workers have been supported back into employment, and the entire redundant workforce can access future education and training.
Photo by George McLuskie