£ 38m boost for communities

Residents of Carsphairn, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and Patna are invited to join the first in a series of workshops to discuss South Kyle Wind Farm’s community investment fund.

Located around 5km east of Dalmellington, South Kyle Wind Farm is a major renewable energy project now being built by Vattenfall in East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

Once constructed, the development will generate a significant community investment fund for the local area – worth an estimated £ 38m over 25 years. Ahead of that, Vattenfall is working with communities to develop a bespoke and sustainable community investment fund reflecting local priorities and aspirations.

Vattenfall is partnering with Foundation Scotland, a charity that supports developers and communities set up and implement community benefit funds, tailored to the local needs. The first round of ‘ Inform and Inspire’ workshops are an opportunity for local people to consider South Kyle Wind Farm’s community investment fund and discuss what they’d like to see it achieve.

Carol Kane, Vattenfall’s Regional Liaison Officer for South West Scotland, said: “We’re excited to learn about local ambition for realising the benefits of the South Kyle Community Investment Fund and want to include as many local voices as possible in this conversation, and look forward to kicking off the discussions this autumn.”

There are four opportunities to participate in this first round of South Kyle Wind Farm’s community investment workshops that will take place online via Zoom on Wednesday October 28 at 11am and 7pm and repeated again on Wednesday November 4 at 11am and 7pm. Places can be booked online by searching ‘ southkyle’ at www. eventbrite. co. uk or clicking direct at https:// www. eventbrite. co. uk/ e/ introducing- the- opportunity- of- thesouthkyle- investment- fundtickets124725769133