OREANDA-NEWS. Following the latest funding round, SSE’s Drumderg wind farm community fund has now delivered over 500,000 pounds of investment in community projects in East Perthshire.

Now entering its seventh year, the community fund was established during the construction of SSE’s 16-turbine Drumderg wind farm, near Alyth, for the benefit of community groups and residents in the Alyth and Mount Blair community council areas.

The fund has supported community groups such as the Alyth Youth Partnership, Kirkmichael Session House and the local guides and scouts and has helped new initiatives such as the Alyth Community Woodland and New Alyth Bike Park get off the ground. It has also contributed to the renovation of community halls in Alyth, Ballintuim, Blackwater, Bridge of Cally and Kirkmichael. The fund is expected provide a further 2 million during the lifetime of the wind farm.

Graeme Keddie, Head of Community Investment at SSE said:
“Reaching the 500,000 pounds milestone is a major achievement. Over the last six years, the Drumderg wind farm fund has supported key community development activity across Alyth and Mount Blair including initiatives for young people and the elderly, major improvements in community facilities and vital funding for sporting, education and environmental groups.

“I’d like to thank the local panel for the responsible way in which the funds have been distributed and, with around 100,000 pounds available each year, I’d encourage any community groups looking for support to get in touch.”

Decisions on the allocation of funds are made by an independent panel of local people and the application deadline for the next round of funding is 18 February, with awards announced in early April. 

Summary of grants awarded Autumn/Winter 2014/15:

Applicant Grant summary Award
Friends of Alyth Guiding Hut To support phase two of a project to complete the new Guide Hut. 20,000
Mount Blair Community Development Trust To build a network of way-marked paths around the village of Kirkmichael. 10,000
North East of North To contribute to the first stage of a major new arts and cultural programme based around The Cateran Trail. 10,000
Kirkmichael Session House To carry out critical repairs to the roof and exterior of the building 10,000
Alyth Musical Society To purchase a set of professional spotlights for musical productions 3,000
Alyth Scouts To purchase heaters for toilets, projection facilities and new GPS systems 2,000
Kirkmichael SWRI To purchase an indoor curling kit for use by the group and the community. 1,098
  TOTAL FUNDING 56,098