Wind farm gifts local groups more than £13,000

EIGHT community organisations in Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton have been awarded grants by the Inch Cape Construction Fund to support local initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people living in the area.

The first round of grants from the offshore wind farm’s fund totals £13,300 and supports a range of initiatives, from improving local people’s employability and giving youngsters the chance to spend time in nature, to an annual gala day and encouraging physical activity through cricket and gymnastics.

Managed by Foundation Scotland, the Inch Cape Construction Fund supports community projects that help tackle the effects of poverty and inequality, improve the environment or support sustainability within the Prestonpans or Cockenzie and Port Seton community council areas.

Applications for grants of up to £2,000 are considered on a rolling basis so eligible groups can apply at any time.

The full list of organisations, initiatives and grant amounts awarded in this first round can be found on the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm website at inchcapewind.com/about/community/construction-fund-awards

A grant of £2,000 was awarded to Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council to help replace five flagpoles on Port Seton’s promenade, while Prestonpans Community Council was awarded £2,000 to help fund the installation of lights on the town’s Christmas tree.

Other groups benefitting from the fund include Cockenzie Out of School Care (£2,000), Tranent and Preston Village Cricket Club (£1,500), and Saltire Team Gymnastics (£2,000).

Electricity generated by the offshore wind farm, to be located 15 kilometres from the Angus coastline, will be brought to shore in East Lothian at a new substation being constructed on the site of the former coal-fired Cockenzie Power Station.