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Funding applications now being taken for worthy causes in Strathspey


By Gavin Musgrove

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Berry Burn Wind Farm's turbines have also been generating funds for local projects.
Berry Burn Wind Farm's turbines have also been generating funds for local projects.

Applications are now being welcomed again for a wind farm fund which has generated huge financial support for a string of community projects and causes over the years in the north of Strathspey.

In the latest round of funding, the Berry Burn Community Fund has approved grants totalling £60,312, helping to finance 12 projects spread widely across Strathspey and Moray.

The biggest winner was an application to refurbish Dulaig Park in Grantown which received £19,621.

This latest round brings the total contribution to date from the cashpot to £1,191,243.

A fund spokeswoman said: "Applications received were for well over two times the funds available, therefore it was not possible this time to help everyone, no matter how worthy the cause."

The community fund receives an index-linked annual budget of £190,000 from international renewables company Statkraft, whose 29-turbine Berry Burn wind farm lies between Forres and Grantown.

The fund is overseen by 11 volunteer fund members, living and working within its operational boundary which takes in the local community council areas of Grantown, Cromdale and Advie.

The annual budget is spread over three awards rounds held during the year.

Jana Hutt, chair of the Berry Burn Community Fund, said: “We know communities and individuals can be struggling to maintain and develop projects and services during this time.

"However, we continue to support good applications which can make real difference in our area, and congratulate the successful applicants."

The closing date for the next round – which is the 21st – is January 18, next year, with decisions due to be made at an awards meeting on February 22.

For more details click here

The other local winners in this latest hand-out were:

* Strathspey Camanachd (£4,000) for match funding towards the employment of a club development officer to promote and develop shinty in the area.

* Strathspey Works (£3,250) for the installation of a more efficient, cost effective and lower carbon heating system.

* Grantown Grammar School (£2,791) to enter into Highland Northern Stars competition.

* Grantown Swim Club (£2,000) towards ensuring provision of consistent training, volunteering opportunities and the opportunity for future swimmers to enjoy the club.

* Social Enterprise Academy (£3,000) to provide three fully funded online learning programmes for leaders of community organisations in the fund area, to enable them to lead their organisations through the challenges of the current pandemic.


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