Local people and communities across East Ayrshire have now benefited to the tune of almost £10 million from Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) community funding thanks to the power of wind, according to latest data.
The funding – provided through dedicated Community Benefit Funds at Hare Hill and Whitelee windfarms – puts money directly into the hands of local communities and empowers them to make decisions and allocate the funds in the way that will have the greatest impact locally.
Across East Ayrshire, ScottishPower’s community benefit funds have helped enhance community facilities, provide employment opportunities, deliver education programmes and skills development to enhance career opportunities, fund net zero initiatives – and much, much more.
Examples include funding to support the Whitelee Countryside Rangers who work to promote responsible access within the windfarm.
It has also helped to fund a kitchen refurbishment at Dalrymple Bowling Club.
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Sheena Boyd, Business and Development Manager at New Cumnock Development Trust, which receives funds from Hare Hill windfarm said: “SPR’s funds mean that people across demographics in New Cumnock are able to continue taking part in social, educational and wellbeing-related activities; projects have been delivered which value New Cumnock’s heritage and connect local people and assets and facilities have been secured for the community.”
Barry Carruthers, Onshore Managing Director at ScottishPower Renewables, added: “I’m really proud that we don’t only power our communities – we empower them too – and it’s amazing to see the variety of projects our funding is supporting across East Ayrshire.
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“It is, in many cases, able to bring about real change and shows the incredible added value our funding can bring to local projects. They are genuinely creating a legacy on many levels and that’s testament to our way of working, which is all about being a good neighbour and helping us all enjoy a better future, quicker.”
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