Groups can benefit from generous grants
Community groups across Perth and Kinross have been able to benefit from a share of over £480,000, according to a new report.
SSE Renewables has handed out £480,255 to community projects in the area over the last year.
A total of 48 projects have benefitted, including £45,000 to Friends of Breadalbane Academy to redevelop its playground, and £20,000 towards hosting Birnam Book Festival. Another group to receive money was Cateran Eco Museum, which received £12,000
Clare Cooper, co-founder and co-director of the eco musuem, said: “The grant provided endorsement to other funders that this was a project with strong local backing worthy of support.
“As a result, not only has this enabled us to complete an ambitious pilot phase which offers 16 new walking, cycling and car itineraries about the cultural and natural heritage of the area, but allowed us to attract further funding for an exciting launch programme in the autumn of 2019. In short, the Cateran Eco Museum would never have got off the ground without SSE Renewables.”
The report published earlier this week shows Perth-based energy giant SSE Renewables has invested £6.6 million into 413 projects across Britain.
The money comes from a commitment made by SSE Renewables to invest in the communities near their renewable energy developments, and the decisions on who should benefit are made by local people.
This year, some of the key areas of investment have been on improving local assets such as community shops, museums and village halls.
Support for health and wellbeing projects has also increased, with awards covering areas such as a 4x4 ambulance, autism support and family first aid classes.
Jim Smith, director of SSE Renewables, said:“The funding from SSE Renewables is vital to many local areas in Perth and Kinross and we are delighted to support these communities to grow and flourish.
“The renewable energy sector has an important role to play in tackling the climate change challenge, but it also can play an important role in helping rural communities thrive, as this report highlights.”