First awards announced from new Inch Cape Construction Fund
The new Inch Cape Construction Fund is delighted to announce that they have made their first round of funding awards.
The project developer, Inch Cape Offshore Ltd, worked with Foundation Scotland to launch the fund in February, with the purpose of providing grants to community groups and charities tackling the effects of poverty and inequality or working to improve the local environment in Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton during the project’s construction phase.
Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm will be located off the Angus coast while its onshore substation is under construction at the site of Cockenzie’s old power station, where electricity generated by the offshore turbines will be brought ashore.
The Fund aims to tackle the effects of poverty and inequality, such as isolation, ill health and access to services, and support initiatives to improve the local environment. This may be local groups taking action to reduce loneliness, or those supporting projects aiming to improve mental or physical health and wellbeing or increase access to learning. It could also include organisations with projects designed to improve the local environment and contribute to a sustainable future. The Fund is for the benefit of people of all ages, ranging across children, families, adults or older people.
The first eight awards have now been made, totalling £13,300.
Grants include £1500 to Waggon Way Explorer Scout Unit to purchase new camping equipment to allow local Explorer Scouts to engage in regular camping trips, fostering a deeper connection with nature and providing them with valuable life skills. And Cockenzie Out of School Care club also received an award of £2000 to contribute to the costs of outdoor play equipment for local children.
Full details of grants are below. Groups can still apply for funding - read more here.
| Organisation | Awarded Amount | Purpose of Award |
| Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council | £2,000 | To contribute towards the cost of replacing 5 flagpoles on Port Seton Promenade. |
| Waggon Way Explorer Scout Unity | £1,500 | To purchase new camping equipment to allow local Explorer Scouts to engage in regular camping trips, fostering a deeper connection with nature and providing them with life skills. |
| Cockenzie Out of School Care Club | £2,000 | To contribute towards the costs of outdoor play equipment, including 'loose parts' play items for children ages 5-12 years. |
| Tranent & Preston Village Cricket Club | £1,000 | To contribute towards the costs of supporting an additional cricket team, allowing more community members to participate in the sport locally. |
| Saltire Team Gymnastics | £2,000 | To contribute towards the purchase of equipment for the new baby and pre-school gymnastics classes. |
| Longniddry and District Gala Committee | £820 | To contribute towards the costs of marquee hire for the Longniddry and District Gala 2024. |
| Retrain Scotland | £2,000 | To contribute towards rent and core costs associated with supporting trainees to develop practical skills and improve employability. |
| Prestonpans Community Council | £2,000 | To contribute towards the costs of installing lights on Prestonpans living Christmas tree to encourage community spirit during the festive season. |