Windfarm cash boost to community groups

Jan 18 2013 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser

Village halls and two scout groups are to benefit from cash handouts linked to a wind farm.

Forgandenny Village Hall will be boosted by a new kitchen and support for 300 potential users, while land next to Glenfarg Village Hall will get an environmental makeover.

Also receiving help are 14th Perthshire Scout Group and 77th Perthshire Glenfarg Scout Group.

The community efforts are being paid for as part of £20,000 paid out each year through the Lochelbank Wind Farm community fund.

Windfarm operator RWE npower renewables says the four groups will receive more than £7000 in total.

Kathryn Harries, UK community investment officer with RWE npower renewables, said: “We are delighted our community funds can provide funding where it is most needed to really make a difference to the day-to-day life of the communities that neighbour our wind farms.

“The current economic climate has resulted in many charities and community groups struggling to access grant funding, which makes locally managed funds like these all the more valuable to communities. I encourage more groups based in Glenfarg and Bridge of Earn to apply to the Lochelbank Community Fund so they can also benefit.”