Windfarm funding benefits wide range of projects

FIFTEEN projects across Annandale and Eskdale were successful in the most recent round of Ewe Hill windfarm funding.

Dumfriesshire East Community Benefit Group distributed £144,338 in grants to charities, voluntary organisations and community projects across the eastern part of the area.

The Brig Inn Community Pub and Hub was awarded £20,000 towards a feasibility study to look at how the newly acquired former pub can be renovated and transformed into a community owned pub and hub.

And £10,030 was granted for a similar study to be carried out by the Hutton Community Initiative to investigate the feasibility of converting the former Boreland Primary School into community owned affordable housing.

Mansfield Hall in Rigg was awarded £9579 to renovate the roof and to treat dry rot, and Half Morton Hall in Canonbie was granted £6480 to carry out electrical works, replace heating and to redecorate the hall interior. Annandale Community Transport Services received £8455 to complete the funding package required to purchase a wheelchair accessible electric vehicle. This is in addition to funding awarded in the previous round for an accessible minibus.

Five sports clubs made successful applications: Canonbie and St Mungo’s Tennis Clubs were awarded £20,000 and £12,022 respectively to resurface their tennis courts. Langholm Old Town Bowling Club secured £8678 to insulate and replace internal doors in the final phase of a larger project to renovate and improve the clubhouse to save energy, lower costs and create a more comfortable space for social events. Eaglesfield Bowling Club was given £13,874 to repair and extend the bowling greens, replace benches and re-carpet the clubhouse. Lastly, Lockerbie Golf Club received £6390 to purchase a new cooker and golfing equipment and install CCTV.

There was £8750 for Hoddom Primary to extend the hard standing area in the playground; and £1470 to Brydekirk Primary to buy Ipads.

The Trimontium Trust was awarded £12,000 to support community and volunteer involvement in an archaeological dig at Burnswark.

Gretna and Rigg Community Council received £3330 to create a seating area at the entrance to the village on the border.

Finally, Langholm Alliance received £3280 for a project focused on testing for prostate cancer.

Community officer Jamie Dent said: “The funding awards support a wide range of activities and facilities that will make a significant contribution to the quality of life across the communities.”

Applications are now invited for the next round and constituted groups in South East Annandale and Eskdale can apply for between £2000 - £30,000.

The deadline is July 31 and there’s more information at decbg.org.uk or contact [email protected] or on 07391 618359.