Rosehall wind farm fund pays out £580k in eight years
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The RWE Rosehall Wind Farm Community Fund Panel has now distributed £580,000, hitting the milestone this year.
The fund has recently concluded its eighth year of grant making, having been distrusting funds to community groups since its launch in 2012.
Since the fund began, a total of 70 grants have been awarded to groups within the community council areas of Ardgay and district, Creich and Lairg, or to groups based outwith these areas but delivering services to residents within the area.
The most round saw five awards made to local groups including: £25,000 to Bonar Bridge Football Club to improve the clubhouse; £2640 to the Bonar Bridge and Ardgay Golf Club to improve the clubhouse; £10,000 per year to the Kyle of Sutherland Hub to contribute to the jub managers post over a two year period; £10,000 per year to make a strategic investment in Lairg District Community Initiatives, and £20,000 per year to make a strategic investment in the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust.
The Rosehall Wind Farm Community Fund is based on £2500 per MW, rising in line with the Retail Price Index. The first year’s donation in 2012 was £61,000 per year and by 2019 it was £74,000.
This fund is apportioned equally between the three community council areas, providing each with its own pot or sub-fund from which community activities can be supported.
Grants are available from £250 to £25,000; grants of more than this may be made where significant benefit can be evidenced. There are two funding deadlines per year – April 30 and October 31. The fund is administered by Foundation Scotland and further information on the fund is available on the Foundation Scotland website.
Eilidh Coll, Foundation Scotland’s local representative said: “The RWE Rosehall Wind Farm Community Fund has been instrumental in the ongoing success of a number of key groups. The areas of Ardgay and district, Creich and Lairg which were at risk of economic and social decline have seen community-led regeneration turn this around with the help and support from committed volunteers and local development officers.
