Windfarms splash the community cash

MORE than £207,000 in windfarm funding has been given out to projects and causes in Annandale and Eskdale.

A total of £146,483 has been awarded to 14 charitable and community projects from ScottishPower Renewable’s Ewe Hill 16 Windfarm Community Benefit Fund, in its most recent funding round.

The money goes to projects and activities across Eskdale and south and east Annandale.

The largest award was £30,000, over two years, to support a modern apprenticeship at the Buccleuch Centre in Langholm.

A grant of £16,500 was made to Annandale Community Transport for a new wheelchair accessible minibus; and another of £13,000 to D&G Handyvan towards a new van for their local fitter.

Westerkirk Parish Library got £16,210 over three years to support operating costs to act as a community hub and to ensure access to both its historic and current collection of books and documents; while Lockerbie Drama Club received £12,000 to modernise the interior of The Little Theatre.

Also, £7000 went to Lockerbie Squash and Racketball Club for a new wastewater connection; £5400 to Canonbie Green Bowling Club for new green maintenance machinery; with £7500 to Langholm Old Town Bowling Club to refurbish their clubhouse and install solar panels.

Outdoor learning and play facilities were supported with a grant of £10,669 to Eaglesfield Primary School Parent Council; and a further £4259 went to Kirtle and Eaglesfield Community Council to improve the children’s’ play park in Kirtlebridge and for community noticeboards.

An award of £9800 was made to Muckle Toon Media; Langholm Producers Market received £4934; £3707 was granted to the Canonbie Over 60’s Club to install a new cooker in Canonbie Village Hall; and the Eskdale Foundation received a £5504 contribution to the costs of building a Changing Places disabled toilet in Langholm.

Dumfriesshire East Community Benefit Group (DECBG) co-ordinated the giveaway and community officer Jamie Dent said: “The 14 funding awards support a wide range of activities and facilities that will make a significant contribution to the quality of life across the east of Dumfriesshire.”

Ruth Semple from ScottishPower Renewables added: “We are pleased the fund continues to support a diverse range of locally led initiatives across the east of Dumfriesshire.

“It’s excellent to hear so many projects have been awarded funding and we wish each group every success as they deliver these within their community.”

Meanwhile, the Solwaybank Windfarm Community Benefit Fund dished out £61,787 to eight local projects.

Annandale Community Transport were successful again with a grant of £16,500 toward their new wheelchair accessible minibus; and Eaglesfield Primary School Parent Council was given £10,669 for the construction of an outdoor play and learning space.

Also enjoying more funding was Langholm Old Town Bowling Club with £6500 granted towards their clubhouse and solar panel projects; £4259 was awarded to Kirtle and Eaglesfield Community Council to improve the play area in Kirtlebridge and install noticeboards; £5320 went to Westerkirk Parish Library towards its costs; and Muckle Toon Media were again awarded £9800 towards operating costs.

In addition, Eaglesfield Recreation Association secured £3999 towards the purchase of a new mower to maintain the village sports ground; and the Buccleuch Centre got £4740 to refurbish the auditorium.

Jamie Dent from DECBG said: “The grants awarded recently will make a significant difference to the local area by improving opportunities for sports and recreation, cultural facilities and local news.”

He also revealed the Solwaybank fund has allocated all of its available funding for the next year, so is closed until January 2027.

However, the next deadline for applications to the Ewe Hill 16 Community Benefit fund is January 31. Any groups in Eskdale or South Eastern Annandale should email [email protected], or call 07391 618359, for info. Details can also be found at www.decbg.org.uk.