Mcconnell to head up SSE panel

FORMER FIRST Minister Lord McConnell is to chair a new panel overseeing the channelling of about £90 million of funding into communities affected by SSE windfarm projects over the next 25 years.

The fund will provide grants to non-profit making organisations, community groups and charities operating within regions where SSE is developing a wind array.

The f irst round of funding, in which about £325,000 will be available, will open to Highland projects in September, followed by further grant rounds next spring in Perthshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

Lord McConnell, who served as First Minister between 2001 and 2007, said he was delighted to be involved with the fund.

He said: “This fund aims to support large — potentially transformational — projects in local areas, supporting skills, jobs, community energy and environmental enhancement.

“This is a significant amount of money made available by SSE and I know they want us to make sure these funds are allocated effectively, making a real difference.

“I hope we will see highquality applications with strong support from local communities.”

SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said: “If our planned windfarms get the go-ahead, during their lifetime we expect to invest over £240 million in community projects.”

Joining Lord McConnell on the panel will be Professor Jan Bebbington, of St Andrews University, Community Energy Scotland chief executive Nicholas Gubbins, Skills Development Scotland chief executive Damien Yeates and AlanYoung, of SSE.

Lord McConnell.