Over £197,000 in Wind Farm Funding Powers Argyll Communities
Local communities in Argyll have received a substantial boost through combined funding of over £197,000 from the A'Chruach and An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds.
Both of these funds, provided by renewable energy companies and administered by Foundation Scotland, are empowering projects that enhance community life, improve well-being, and support sustainable development.
The A'Chruach Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, which is provided by renewable energy firm Nadara, supports a wide range of inspirational, community-led activity in the Community Council areas of West Loch Fyne, Dunadd and Lochgilphead. The fund has awarded £170,000 to thirteen inspiring community projects across mid-Argyll. These grants include:
- Ford Village Hall: £24,475 for Phase 2 of its Renovation and Decarbonisation Project, including installing an Air Source Heat Pump.
- Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau: £25,000 to continue vital advisory services.
- Dochas Carers Centre: £30,000 to establish local support groups for carers in the outlying villages of Dunadd and West Loch Fyne.
Dochas Centre Manager Julie Sinclair said:
The Dochas Carers Centre is delighted to have received funding through Foundation Scotland, which will provide us with the opportunity to reach more unpaid carers in Mid Argyll and develop services which meet their needs, where they live. We are excited to be part of developing supportive community networks which are inclusive and sustainable.
Youth and community development were key focus areas, with grants such as £4,460 to Mid Argyll Youth Development Services for youth club sessions in Kilmartin and £16,884 to Mid Argyll Pipe Band for drum equipment and tuition for new learners. Additionally, Mid Argyll Rugby Football Club received £19,100 to refurbish the Ropeworks Sports Pavilion, benefiting both the Rugby Club and the wider community.
Lee Buckley of Mid Argyll RFC said:
Everyone at Mid Argyll Rugby Club is delighted that we are being supported by the Nadara A’Chruach fund and Foundation Scotland – this grant funding will complete the much needed repairs to the Ropework pavilion. Once the lease for the building is signed over to the club, the roof repair and internal upgrade works will be done to transform this essential community asset. This couldn’t be done without Foundation Scotland’s support, and we are all very grateful to everyone involved.
Additional projects benefiting from the fund include Kilmartin Primary School Parent Council's playground refurbishment (£22,403), Lochgilphead Christmas Lights Festival (£7,000), and various other community initiatives supporting local clubs and enhancing local services and facilities. This round of funding caps a successful year of community investment, with A'Chruach distributing a total of £372,034 across 35 projects in 2024.
The An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund, which is provided by energy firms RWE Renewables and Green Gecco, awarded £27,000 to six community projects within the areas of Glenorchy and Innishail, Inveraray, Furnace, and Dalavich. Key grants included:
- Portsonachan Village Hall: £15,000 for a full planning application for renovation and refurbishment works, to ensure a safe and welcoming community space for generations to come.
- Cairndow Community Childcare: £7,700 for new communication, educational, and play resources for children, enhancing nursery experiences and parent/carer engagement.
In addition, microgrants of £1,121 were awarded to four local organisations, including South Loch Awe-side Community Company and Furnace Community Council, enabling them to continue small-scale community improvement projects such as village clean-ups and enhancing social spaces.
Carol Thomas, Director of Dalavich Improvement Group, said:
Microgrant awards can make all the difference in small communities like ours. In the last year, microgrants have supported a village clean up, provided seating in the children's playground and provided tables and shelving for an art group. These small actions help make Dalavich a better place to live and visit, and provide essential resources that help increase opportunities for social engagement and getting to know each other better.
Chris Lee, Community Funds Adviser at Foundation Scotland, said:
This substantial round of awards from both Community Benefit Funds demonstrates their commitment to supporting sustainable, inclusive communities across Argyll and Bute. These grants will make a real difference to local residents, both now and in the future.
Awards from both funds are agreed by a local panel, made up of community members whose experience and familiarity with the places they live are vital to ensure the Funds remain community focused, and that decisions are made with knowledge and insight.
Together, these funds illustrate the transformative power of renewable energy-driven community benefit programs, supporting projects that improve infrastructure, foster inclusivity, and enhance the lives of residents in Argyll.
The next funding opportunities for both the A'Chruach and An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Funds are open, with application deadlines in early 2025. Communities are encouraged to apply to continue driving local development and sustainability.
Read more about the An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund here
Read more about the A'Chruach Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund here