A COMMUNITY foundation has won a top award for its partnership with the company building a major new wind farm on the border of East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
Foundation Scotlandwon the Best Engagement prize at the Scottish Green Energy Awards for its partnership with Vattenfall, the company behind the South Kyle wind farm project.
The awards, which are hosted by Scottish Renewables, recognise inspirational organisations, people and projects in green energy going above and beyond to make a real difference to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland.
South Kyle is a 50-turbine, 240MW renewable energy project currently being constructed between New Cumnock and Dalmellington in East Ayrshire and Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway.
READ MORE: Scaled-down plans for 'spin-off' East Ayrshire wind farm unveiled
As Scotland’s community foundation, Foundation Scotland has helped distribute more than £150 million to charities and community groups across the country.
Foundation Scotland was nominated for the award by Vattenfall, which says the South Kyle project will provide a significant community benefit fund of more than £1,000,000 annually to help realise community ambition in Carpshairn, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and Patna.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Rachel Searle, head of communities and impact at Foundation Scotland, said: “This award is a great testament to a group of volunteers that Foundation Scotland has worked with over the last three years to design and develop the incoming South Kyle Community Benefit Fund.
"With the South Kyle Working Group – most of whom give their time voluntarily – we’ve listened to the wider community, learnt from others, tested some approaches and taken stock about how community benefit can help turn the dial towards building community wealth and wellbeing.
"It is also a testament to Vattenfall for having the foresight to give the fund set-up time and attention.
"Supporting the communities with implementing the finalised design will be the next stage of this exciting journey.”
Sheena Boyd from the New Cumnock Development Trust, who is a member of the South Kyle Working Group, added: “It's great to see recognition for communities' efforts and Vattenfall's and Foundation Scotland's approaches that support grassroots involvement and partnership.”
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