'Transformational' projects across Highland benefit from £1.5m SSE renewables fund
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TWENTY transformational community projects across the Highlands have been awarded a share of over £1.5 million to support the region's net zero ambition.
The awards have been made from SSE Renewables' flagship Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), designed to help communities across the region respond to the climate emergency.
The hosting of COP26 in Glasgow in November last year highlighted the growing climate emergency, and now, the new fund is supporting local communities to take action.
Several projects in Sutherland are among those to have received support, ranging from environmental education in Kinlochbervie to de-carbonising heat in community facilities in Golspie, demonstrating the breadth of action being taken to tackle climate change across the region.
Finlay McCutcheon, director of onshore renewables for Europe, explains that net zero is at the very the heart of what SSE Renewables are doing.
He said: "We are currently facing a significant climate emergency and communities in the Highlands have shown they are taking serious action to support net zero.
"We are building and operating right in the heart of rural communities across the Highlands, and you need a high degree support and engagement as we are here for 30 years.
"This community fund is a great way to demonstrate that these assets, year in year out, can provide a way of putting targeting funds back into these communities.
"We have ensured the funding will help the local community to respond to these unprecedent challenges and help the region deliver on its low carbon ambitions – making a real and lasting difference for many years to come."
Representatives from SSE Renewables met today with Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner and local councillors Karl Rosie and Jim McGillivray at Gordonbush Wind Farm to celebrate the round of awards.
Councillor Bremner said: “We welcome SSE Renewables' commitment to establishing the Highland Sustainable Fund. Highland communities have been at the forefront in their drive to address the climate emergency. The funding provides significant opportunities for community development of projects across the region.
“As a region, we face a challenging transition towards net zero. It is heartening to have companies like SSE Renewables take a socially responsible role in the Highlands.
“Our region provides an abundance of natural resources. I hope this forms the catalyst for future commercial and public sector collaboration in delivering a just transition for all Highland residents.”
Among the recipients are Sutherland based North West Highland Geopark, who have been awarded £61,162 to employ an education officer to deliver activities identified by young people in the Geopark.
Clyne Heritage Society secured a £90,000 award towards the redevelopment of a derelict school into a heritage centre, with funding focused on net zero elements of the project.
Other awards include Go Golspie Development Trust, who received £50,035 towards the regeneration of a community building, and Re:Circulate Sutherland who have been awarded £14,350 to meet their aims of reducing and reusing plastic from croft farming.
Thurso Community Development Trust received a grant of more than £89,000 to deliver a socially growing project. Their intention is to combine two social enterprises – a zero waste refill shop and greenhouses for commercial growing.
The project also aims to focus on training opportunities for young people whilst contributing to the Trust’s vision of making Thurso the first net zero town in Scotland.
Full list of recipients of the Sustainable Development Fund:
Arkaig Community Forest – £52,500
Glengarry Community Woodland – £55,000
Thurso Community Development Trust – £89,802
Able 2 Adventure – £70,000
Glencoe Folk Museum – £140,000
The Ledge – £46,351
Engaging with Activity CIC – £35,293
Farr North Community Development Trust – £32,221
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company – £85,035
Loch Ness Hub – £30,000
North West Highland Geopark – £61,162
Clyne Heritage Society – £90,000
Go Golspie Development Trust - £50,035
North Land Creative – £48,000
Tain Heritage Trust - £71,055
John O'Groats Mill Trust – £250,000
Broadford and Strath Community Company – £100,000
ReCirculate Sutherland – £14,350.00
Gro for Good, Tain - £75,000
Elsie Normington Foundation, Inverness – £150,000
