Vanilla Ink, a community enterprise supported by the Banff regeneration scheme, has opened its arms to visitors since its launch last September. As a social enterprise, it focuses on developing opportunities, especially for young people, providing skills and experiences that they might not be able to access.
A recent visit to Vanilla Ink's silversmithing workshop by Prince Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, has elevated their profile and has helped widen their audience.
According to Banff Vanilla Ink’s Alison Arrowsmith, "It wasn’t just the fact that the Prince spent time with us, but we expect to raise the profile of our social enterprise work from his visit, as it has magnified awareness of what we’re doing."
Banff Preservation Trust commissioned a feasibility study and the building was renovated with the support of the Banff Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, which has seen £500,000 of grants from Historic Environment Scotland for the restoration of traditional buildings in the hub of the former burgh town.
The total investment has been more than £1 million, with additional funding coming from Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Government and private owners.
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William D. Eggers and Paul Macmillan of Dowser write about the social entrepreneurs slowly and steadily dirsupting the world of philanthropy. According to Forbes, philanthropy disruptors are those that believe “no one company is so vital that it can’t be replaced and no single business model too perfect to upend.”