Wind farm cash handed out in Mid Argyll

SEVEN community organisations are celebrating receiving a grant from the newly established A’Chruach Community Wind Farm.

The fund was established to support community-led activity in the communities of West Loch Fyne, Dunadd and Lochgilphead. In total, £61,000 has been awarded in the first round.

Lochgair Association received £12,500 to repair and widen the footbridge over Eas Dubh burn to make it wheelchair accessible.

Blarbuie Woodland Enterprises received £14,000 to contribute to the salary of a part-time development worker to help make it a thriving and sustainable woodland.

Kilmartin Museum received £5,000 to engage the community in an excavation project which will explore and celebrate the history of Carnasserie Castle.

Minard Community Trust was awarded £5,000 to refurbish the local shop which it currently owns, in the hope it will be an attractive proposition to any successive shopkeeper.

Other groups to benefit included Befrienders, Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation and Heads Up.

Decisions were made by a panel of local representatives.

A spokesperson for Infinis Wind Farm Ltd, owner of the turbines, added: ‘This first round of applications demonstrated very convincingly that there will be a pipeline of strong projects for the A’Chruach fund.’