A RAFT of community projects are to benefit from a development fund linked
to onshore windfarms.
A new visitor centre in the Great Glen and an essential upgrade to an
off-grid community hydro electric scheme in Knoydart are among ventures
that will share £1 million from SSE’s new Highland Sustainable Development
Fund.
Funded by SSE’s onshore wind farms, the fund is open to all
non-profit-making organisations, community groups and charities working in
the Highland Council region.
Over 100 applications were submitted during the first funding round.
An independent panel led by former first minister Lord Jack McConnell
awarded 29 projects a total of £1,045,000.
Initiatives that demonstrated transformational impact, innovation and
sustainability were given priority for funding..
Panel chairman Lord McConnell said: “The breadth of applications made for
tough decisions but I’m delighted at the reach and potential impact of the
initiatives we have chosen to support.
“From the tip of Caithness to the sound of Mull, the successful awards will
create jobs, revitalise open spaces and strengthen communities.
“I look forward to seeing the benefit this round of funding will bring to
the Highlands and to reviewing an equally high standard of applications
when the fund reopens in late 2015.”
Alan Young, SSE’s Managing Director, Corporate Affairs said: “The projects
we have funded today, from the support given to remote rural communities to
the creation of new career opportunities for young people, will have a
significant impact on the people of the Highlands.”
0 Comments