Wind farm funding boost for walkers and pipers

A village community and two pipe bands have been given a cash boost from an Argyll wind farm fund, writes Fiona Ross.

The Ventient A’Chruach Wind Farm Community Fund has allocated £9,000 to three grassroots projects in Mid Argyll .

The funding, which was distributed by Foundation Scotland, saw the Lochgair Association awarded £1,650 to install an interpretation and information board to promote the environmental and historical assets of Lochgair.

The project will indicate to residents and visitors points of interest in and around the village, including paths for walking and cycling, spots for photography and opportunities to study wildlife and sites of historical interest.

A Lochgair Association spokesperson said: ‘We are all delighted to be given the goahead to develop an information and interpretation display board in Lochgair.

‘This project was conceived by our keen naturalists, walkers, photographers and local history enthusiasts as a way of celebrating and highlighting our village’s assets to our friends and relatives.’

Two pipe bands also received money in the latest awards.

Loch Fyne Pipe Band received £1,320 to buy kilts, jackets and waistcoats for new members and members who have outgrown their existing

Mid Argyll Pipe Band has welcomed the cash boost from the wind farm fund.

uniform. A band spokesperson said: ‘This award means a huge amount to all of us at Loch Fyne Pipe Band.

‘It costs almost £1,000 to kit out a piper and this kind grant will allow us to buy kilts and jackets for players who have very little in the way of uniform.’

The second pipe band receiving funding was Mid Argyll Pipe Band which received £5,977 for sheepskin bags, drumming tuition and full uniform for members in Lochgilphead, West loch Fyne and Dunadd.

A band spokesperson said: ‘This funding will provide additional support for members of Mid Argyll Pipe Band to get the best experience from being part of the group.

‘It will also assist us in our ethos of providing affordable tuition and gateways to the world of pipe bands for everyone who wishes to be part of our organisation, irrespective of background.’

Community fund co-ordinator for Foundation Scotland Eimear Cassidy said: ‘It’s wonderful to see the fund support many grassroots community groups in these challenging times.’

Organisations throughout Mid Argyll can apply for the next round of funding through Foundation Scotland at https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/a-chruach