Windfarm fund cash for community groups
A number of projects, community groups and organisations, and local initiatives in the Alyth and Mount Blair community council areas have received a cash boost thanks to the Drumderg wind farm fund.
The latest round of funding has seen wind farm operator SSE Renewables make its largest annual award yet to the communities of Alyth and Mount Blair.
SSE Renewables makes around £120,000 a year available for community and charitable projects through its Drumderg wind farm community benefit fund which can support projects in Alyth and Mount Blair.
In the past 10 years it has provided over £1.1 million to community projects and the fund is anticipated to invest an estimated £2.6 million over its lifetime.
The fund is open to non-profit organisations, community groups and charities across the two community council areas which support the communities of Alyth and Mount Blair.
All the funding decisions are made by a decision-making panel of local representatives.
Some 20 projects were successful in receiving funding in 2020/21.
These included Alyth in Bloom – which received £15,000 to go towards the redevelopment of the burnside area in the town – and Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, which received nearly £13,000 for the creation of trails at the Bamff Estate on the outskirts of Alyth.
In addition, the Airlie Street Hall Association received £7000 to build a ramp at the hall and Alyth Community Support Group (ACSG) was awarded just over £4000 to support the community hub and food bank.
Elsewhere, Alyth Golf Club’s junior development project was awarded £5336 and 30th Perthshire Strathardle Scouts were awarded £2,468 to deliver Scouting activities at home in accordance with Covid restrictions, while Marie Curie received £2000 to provide night support services to people in Alyth and Mount Blair.
Craig Mullen, SSE Renewables community investment manager said: “The Drumderg fund continues to make a substantial difference to the communities of Mount Blair and Alyth.
“This was especially important in the past year as communities tried to cope with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are very thankful to the projects for all their hard work in the area and to the local community members who sit on the decisionmaking panel.”
The panel welcomes new applications from local community projects and the deadline for the next round of funding is October 11.
Groups can find out more about how to apply by visiting the SSE Renewables website.
Alternatively, call Craig on 01738 340621 or email craig.w.mullen@sse.com.