Langhope Rig Community Fund: small but mighty awards round
The Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Fund had a small but mighty first round of 2025. Awards included funding to the Edinburgh Science Foundation to deliver a series of STEM events to the three primary schools located within the Fund area, and contributing to funds that will pave the way to construction of a new pathway in Ettrickbridge.
Funding decisions are made by a local panel, comprised of community members whose local experience and familiarity with the places they live help ensure the Fund remains community focused, and that decisions are made with knowledge and insight.
The Edinburgh Science Foundation is a charitable company whose mission is 'to inspire, encourage and challenge people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and understand the world around them'. It delivers a variety of hands-on activities, workshops and festivals both nationally and internationally.
The Foundation also offers a programme which delivers the Generation Science outreach initiative to benefit primary school students. This programme aims to enhance learning and aid teachers in implementing the Curriculum for Excellence in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Its goal is to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and maths among young learners, particularly in areas where access to such resources may be limited.
The pupils and teachers of Kirkhope, Yarrow and Lilliesleaf primary schools will have the opportunity to attend a Generation Science event being delivered within their primary school.
The Panel felt the project offered a unique opportunity to introduce young people to STEM subjects at an early age. They agreed to award £1,965 to ensure that the project could be available at each of the three primary schools. The Panel was keen to show how a small grant could have such a significant impact.
The second grant was awarded to Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company (EYCDC), contributing £5,000 towards a community pathway project to provide a safe active travel route into Ettrickbridge.
EYCDC manages various community projects in the Scottish Borders, including the Ring of the Loch walking route around St Mary's Loch and the 'Captain's Road' link. The organisation also oversees community facilities, manages housing and publishes a monthly newsletter, serving residents of Ettrickbridge and Kirkhope areas with a focus on infrastructure development and community connectivity. This project will create a safe, off-road multi-user path connecting Ettrickbridge and Kirkhope, complete with fencing and pedestrian bridle path gates at field boundaries. The project helps to improve transport infrastructure and develop community assets.
These locally decided grants demonstrate how targeted funding can significantly impact rural communities, offering opportunities which may not have otherwise been available.
Through both educational opportunities and improved infrastructure, the fund area will benefit from these projects now and for years to come.
Read more about the Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund