Projects share in windfarm cash

Six transformational Perthshire projects are set for a funding boost from SSE’s Sustainable Development Fund.

Over £180,000 has been granted to six projects in Perthshire that together will deliver a number of benefits to the area.

These will include skills development, a woodland walk, an employ-ability programme for disad-vantaged young adults, a community-based solution to social care and a new playpark for children who currently have to travel some distance to use one.

A Career Ready three-year project for S6 pupils in Perthshire was awarded £40,000, Innerpeffray Library was awarded £20,500 towards a woodland walk and Remake Scotland was granted £50,000 towards employment for disadvantaged people.

The Workshop Aberfeldy was awarded £20,605 to develop laser and graphic design, Growbiz was granted £30,000 to support microbusinesses across rural Perthshire and St Fillans Community Trust was awarded £20,000 towards a new playpark.

Decisions on the awards were made by a panel chaired by former First Minister Jack McConnell.

Lord McConnell said:“We received a lot of good quality applications this year and the six projects we have chosen to fund will help benefit Perthshire communities economically and socially. We wish them well as they move the projects forward and we really do believe they will make a lasting difference in the coming years.”

SSE created the Sustainable Development Fund as part of its community benefit arrangements from its Calliachar windfarm in Perthshire.