DUNFERMLINE Live was one of three organisations to benefit from the Mary Leishman Foundation during a presentation evening held last Wednesday.

The annual music festival, which takes place today (Saturday), will see top bands including Embrace and The Moon Kids perform in a variety of venues across the city. It was awarded a cheque for £2500 from the Foundation to fund the ‘Mary Leishman stage’, which will provide a platform for up-and-coming bands to showcase their talents.

Also receiving cheques from trustees of the Foundation and a few of its fund-raisers were the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, who were given £2000 towards its running costs, and Fife Society for the Blind, who received £984, which will be used to buy an electronic tablet device available for service users.

Ele Segerius, secretary and trustee of the Foundation, said, “Two or three times a year we will have these presentation events as it allows the trustees to meet people and see what the money goes to. A lot of people come along to let us know how the money has made a difference which is great.

“Normally if we’re giving a donation it will be for something specific, but for cases like the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance we can provide help towards their running costs. The great thing about the Foundation is that anybody and everybody that can encourage potential or ease distress can apply. Dunfermline Live want to support young bands and encourage their potential, and the Mary Leishman stage will give them the experience of playing in a big event. From day one I’d say we’ve now roughly donated around £450,000 which is fantastic. I think Mary would be totally amazed at how much we’ve achieved so far.” The Mary Leishman Foundation was set up in memory of Pars legend and Fife Provost Jim’s late wife, who tragically lost her battle with cancer on their 30th wedding anniverary in February 2009.