OREANDA-NEWS. July 06, 2012. Thousands of pounds in a local wind farm fund is still available for community projects – and the developer is now encouraging people to apply ahead of the next deadline for applications of July 16.

The Clyde wind farm currently generates GBP 35,000 each year available for local projects within the Skirling and Upper Tweed Community Council boundaries. Over the last 12 months more than 21,500 has been granted to 15 local projects.

Ciara Wilson, SSE’s Community Investment Advisor for Clyde wind farm said: “We really want to see as many local projects as possible benefit from the Scottish Borders Clyde wind farm fund. The next deadline for applications of 16 July is fast-approaching and I’d like to encourage people to apply so that local communities can maximise the benefits.

“We’ve aimed to make the application process as simple and straightforward as possible to ensure that the funds can be accessed by a wide range of worthwhile and deserving causes. However, should you have any queries or questions please contact the Scottish Community Foundation and the advisers there will be able to help.”

The Crook Inn campaign and provision of a new access bridge at Broughton Village Hall were among seven initiatives in the Skirling and Upper Tweed areas to have been successful in the latest round of applications.

Robert Laird, Chair of Skirling Community Council said: “We would encourage all community groups within the community council boundary areas of Skirling and Upper Tweed to apply for funding from the Clyde wind farm.

“Since the fund opened last year, we have already seen the benefits within our village; including funding to renovate the village hall’s reading room and a new public bench for our scenic walkway. We also have many other projects that we hope will gain funding in the next round.

“It really is a fantastic opportunity for those in the area to improve their local environment and regenerate local facilities”

The Clyde wind farm is expected to be fully operational in the autumn.SSE submitted an extension application to the Scottish Government in October 2011.  If that application is consented, the project could provide further annual funding of ?5,000 per installed MW for local community and Scottish Borders region initiatives, in addition to the existing Clyde funding of around 35,000 per annum.