Point and Sandwick wind farm shortlisted for national award
Western Isles community wind farm Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) has been shortlisted in the NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards.
The Lewis-based social enterprise is one of five contenders in the Social Business Champion category, which recognises an established social venture that has ‘delivered strong social impact over the past year, thanks to an entrepreneurial and sustainable business model’.
Also nominated are ethical water filtration company Belu; London cycle organisation Bikeworks; Welsh community regeneration group Community Impact Initiative (CII); and Nemi Tea, a tea supplier that provides work for refugees.
Bikeworks, Nemi Tea and PST have all previously won Social Business Awards awards. CII was nominated in 2022.
Since its inception in 2016, PST has provided more than £2.5 million in community grants. In the past year this has included £55,000 to Bethesda Hospice; £95,000 towards the conversion of a community-owned 19th century mill into a tourist attraction and grants to the local football club to improve parking and buy a new kit for the under-13 team.
It has also set up the Energy Support Unit which, since December 2022, has given £104,000 in grant payments to households experiencing fuel hardship and fuel poverty.
On receiving the nomination, PST manager Donald John MacSween commented: “In a year during which people across the country have been severely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, we are immensely pleased we can use our wind farm income to support and build morale in our community groups for all ages and interests.
“This includes working closely with local schools and youth clubs to support trips and activities and in support of community centres and groups that benefit everyone living in our area.
“It makes it all the more special to have our work recognised by the Social Business Awards.”
In total, 33 organisations or individuals across seven categories are nominated for this year’s awards. Only two are from Scotland: PST and Leith Africa/Caribbean culture group Be United.