Moray wind farm fund celebrates £2miilion in grants to local community groups
A north-east wind farm community fund has hit a major milestone in cash support for the local area.
Dorenell Wind Farm’s Community Benefit Fund has issued more than 100 grants totalling in excess of £2 million over the last five years.
This has benefitted residents of all ages living within the fund areas, which includes Dufftown, Auchindoun, Glenrinnes, Glenlivet, Inveravon and the Cabrach.
The EDF power solutions UK fund aims to address issues and support priorities identified by local residents themselves, which have been captured in the area’s Community Action Plan.
In the last five years the fund, which is administered by Foundation Scotland, has supported a broad variety of projects with the average amount awarded nearly £21,000. These have included capital projects such as footpaths, bike trails, tree planting and play parks as well as improvements to several well-loved community facilities such as village halls and community centres.
The fund also supports a number of key staff roles in the area, including development officers in Glenlivet and Dufftown, and youth workers for Speyside Youth. A recent award to Glenrinnes will provide a staff role to support projects and residents in that community.
Organisations such as Marie Curie, Moray Baby Bank and Speyside Community Car Sharing Scheme, which deliver key local services, have all received support. The volunteer panel of local decision makers, supported by grant-making charity Foundation Scotland, has taken innovative approaches beyond standard grant-making to fully address local priorities.
The social and economic benefits go far beyond the community benefit fund. There are 14 local people employed to work at the Dorenell wind farm site in the technical team, all live within an hour of the site.
In addition to the positive impact of the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, the wind farm’s Ranger Service and visitor centre, which employs three local people, continues to provide opportunities for communities to enjoy the countryside while learning about wildlife and the environment.
Piero Maggio, Asset Operations Director at EDF power solutions UK, said: “The good work, innovation and action taken by the communities around our wind farm to ensure the funds are spent for the betterment of local people has been key over the last five years.
“To reach this £2 million milestone for grants awarded to local groups and organisations around Dorenell Wind Farm is incredible and one we are really proud of.
“We look forward to seeing the projects and initiatives that the community benefit fund will help over the coming years.”
More information is available from local community associations, and full details on the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Fund are available at https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/Dorenell