Introduction

The Andy Jackson Fund for Access is a registered Scottish Charity No: SCO38644.  It is a discretionary trust fund and grant aid may be made to projects which promote and protect access to water in Scotland for the sport of canoeing.  This page explains the Fund by setting out the following key information:

• Its principles and goals;
• The way it works;
• Where the money comes from;
• Its relationship to the Scottish Canoe Association;
• It's relationship to WheresTheWater.com; and
• How to apply.

Principles and Goals

The principles and goals of the Fund are:

• Promote and protect access to water in Scotland for the population, by improving and enhancing physical access to waterways.
• To advance the education and understanding of the public in the subject of responsible access to water in Scotland.
• To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the water environment and Scottish waters for their own sake, for the inspiration they give to humanity and for future generations, by promoting good practice by those taking access to water, by bringing to public attention environmentally harmful practices etc. and by practical intervention.
• Improve public participation in healthy paddle sports and recreation by both promoting education of responsible access and physical improvements to improve access to water.

The Way the Fund Works

The Fund is run and administered by a Board of Trustees.  The Trustees oversee all applications to the Fund for assistance.  Applications are evaluated in relation to the principles and goals of the Fund. 

Where the Fund's Money Comes From

Funding comes from a number of sources.  These include:

• Donations;
• Proceeds from Guidebook sales;
• A proportion of proceeds from Andy Jackson's biography - "Tall Stories"; and
• Profits from annual "Wet West Paddlefest" (previously the "Andy Jackson Memorial Weekend").

Relationship to the SCA

The Fund's close relationship to the Scottish Canoe Association (SCA), which is the National governing body for the sport in Scotland, operates in three ways:

• The SCA may nominate some of the Fund's Trustees;
• The SCA has published and sells a number of Guidebooks, proceeds of which go to the Fund; and
• The SCA has an Access Committee which should be the main point of contact for any access issues relating to canoeing in Scotland.  The Access Committee may apply to the Fund for financial help when addressing these issues.

Relationship to WheresTheWater.com

Andy Jackson played a major role in getting the WheresTheWater.com website off the ground.  The website was developed and is run by Kenny Biggin who is also a Trustee of the Andy Jackson Fund for Access.  WheresTheWater.com is self-funding and no proceeds from the Access Fund are spent on the website.

How to Apply

In the first instance, applicants are encouraged to approach the SCA's Access Committee.  However, anyone can also apply to the Fund directly.  An application form is available on request by emailing info@wheresthewater.com or through the SCA.