Clashindarroch Wind Farm Fund hits £2.5 million community support milestone
The fund is in its eleventh year and supports community projects across Huntly, Strathbogie, Tap o'Noth and the Cabrach.
The Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund is celebrating a funding milestone, having now distributed over £2.5 million in community support, thanks to the latest round of awards, which saw £55,090 shared between four local organisations.
This latest round of funding has supported local groups with projects that matter to communities – bringing people together, tackling access to services and caring for places and spaces that matter to local residents.
As part of the Clashindarroch fund’s priorities to support the cultural heritage of the area, Huntly & District Pipe Band received an award of £20,740 to contribute to the cost of new uniforms for the pipers. The funding will ensure the band maintains high standards of dress as it welcomes new members. The band will continue its role in preserving traditional Scottish music and strengthening community engagement in Huntly by performing at events such as Highland Games and Gala Days across the region while providing opportunities for people to learn the pipes and drums throughout the year.
Huntly Youth Club will use a £3,000 award to fund a two-night residential trip to Loch Insch water sports centre during the summer, enabling young people to take part in activities that might otherwise be inaccessible to them. The trip focuses on young people aged 11 to 18 and will provide new experiences, confidence-building, and broaden horizons for participants.
“For too many young people, the cost of sports, activities and after-school clubs is not affordable. Fully funded trips don’t just give young people a chance to experience new things and make friends, they also help create equity, giving all the young people we support the same access to opportunities as their peers. Thank you to the Clashindarroch Wind Farm Fund for making our Loch Insch trip a reality. “
Networks of Wellbeing has received a third year of funding to continue supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing in Huntly and the surrounding area.
The £24,750 award will sustain a programme that includes one-to-one support, counselling, and activities such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, veterans’ support and a warm space and drop-in facility.
“This award will enable NoW to continue to provide a wide range of person-centred, community-based, mental-health and wellbeing supports and activities to people in our community. Support through funding awards such as this is vital to the continuation of services provided by local groups, charities and organisations. Thank you once again to the Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund for their support of our work.”
The Rhynie Charitable Trust has been awarded £6,600 towards the purchase of a ride-on mower and a secure storage container, enabling volunteers to maintain the footpaths and green spaces of Rhynie village, improving access for locals and visitors to community green spaces.
In the last year, the fund has made 31 awards totalling over £364,800, consistently directing the largest share of its grants towards improving community services and facilities and, more recently, increasing support to young people to access opportunities and build skills, and addressing the impact of poverty and cost-of-living pressures.
“We are grateful to the local residents that make up the Clashindarroch Community Benefit panel who preside over the decision making and ensure that local groups are supported – hitting £2.5 million distributed to local communities is a huge achievement.”
The fund is currently open for applications, closing on the 26th August. The awards are administered by Foundation Scotland, with grant decisions made by a local community panel with volunteers drawn from across the four areas the fund serves.
For more information including full details of eligibility and how to apply visit the fund information page.