SPAR Scotland awards £13,000 to local causes

Paula Middleton of SPAR Scotland (third on left, front row) with volunteers from Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit.

SPAR Scotland has awarded a combined £13,000 to two local causes through SPAR’s 2026 Community Cashback grant scheme.

This year’s recipients, Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) and Missing Pets Dundee & Angus, each play an important role in supporting people, animals and the environment in their local areas.

The Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), based in north east Scotland, has been awarded a grant of £10,000 to support its work in marine conservation, field research, education and emergency wildlife rescue.

The charity helps fill a critical gap in local environmental protection, inspiring community stewardship and supporting future conservationists through hands-on learning, public training and citizen science opportunities.

As a small, highly specialised charity with no salaried staff and low operational overheads, CRRU relies heavily on public donations, corporate sponsors and charitable grants. Funding helps maintain essential equipment, support targeted research projects and respond to the challenges created by changing environmental conditions.

Missing Pets Dundee & Angus, a volunteer-led community Facebook page that has been helping reunite lost and found pets with their owners for around 13 years, has received a £3,000 Community Cashback grant.

The funding will help the group continue purchasing vital equipment, covering repairs and replacements, keeping its van on the road, and supporting volunteer fuel costs, driver insurance and drone pilot insurance.