£1m wind farm cash aids local charities

THREE wind farms in Argyll have contributed more than £1 million to local charities providing long-term benefits for residents according to the developers.

ScottishPower Renewables say their 45-turbine Beinn an Tuirc development on the Kintyre Peninsula, the 35-turbine Cruach Mhor wind farm in Cowal and the nine turbines at Clachan Flats near Cairndow have provided significant support since 2002

One of the key beneficiaries is the Kintyre Dialysis Campaign. Local residents with kidney problems previously had to travel over 250 miles to and from Glasgow for dialysis treatment, some as many as three times each week.

But in August 2015 the Kintyre Community Dialysis Unit opened, having raised £100,000 through various community-led fundraising initiatives and grants from local windfarm trusts.

Kristin Gillies, senior service planning manager at Campbeltown Hospital, said: “The dialysis unit in the hospital has transformed the lives of local people who need support with kidney function. Rather than spending hours each week travelling, they are now able to enjoy time with family and friends.”

The benefits have also supported Campbeltown Cricket Club with the purchase of a new mower and practice nets; the transportation of patients from rural and remote areas to Carradale Surgery; sponsorship of the Ploughing Match Association’s annual event at Kilkivan farm and also Campbeltown Cinema, one of the oldest in Scotland. Pictures from our archive