A £1million pound fund generated by wind farms has been launched on one of Scotland’s most famous islands.
SSE Renewables announced the opening of the Highlands and Islands community fund yesterday, aimed at transforming isolated areas through community investment.
Cash in the pot has been generated by SSE’s Stronelairg, Bhlaraidh, Dunmaglass and Strathy North wind farms.
The last round of funding benefitted 18 projects, and SSE is now encouraging groups to apply for their share.
The event was launched at Sleat Community Trust’s Hub on the island, a former recipient of the fund. The hub received £80,000 from the £1.2m pot in 2018.
Morven Smith, head of SSE Renewables’ community investment, said: “It’s great to be here to launch the fourth round of the sustainable development fund and see just what our funds can help communities achieve.
“We’re very proud of the work the sustainable development fund has already achieved in the Highlands and islands and look forward to working more with these communities to help develop and deliver projects that can bring a real difference to the community, just like Sleat’s Community shop.”
In August a review carried out by SSE Renewables, the developer of the 84-turbine Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm, showed the company has invested more than £4.5 million across the north and north-east.
It has provided over £6.6 million in support for community projects across UK as a whole between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Stronelairg, a 66 turbine wind farm near Fort Augustus, generated more than £600,000 for the fund, while the Bhlaraidh wind farm north-west of Invermoriston produced £511,000. The deadline for applications is January 15.