£20k windfall for Strathspey projects
Grantown causes are to benefit by almost £20,000 from the latest wind farm payout in the strath.
In the latest round of funding awards - its 31st - the Berry Burn Community Fund has approved grants totalling £49,665 to help finance 10 projects spread across the designated fund area in Moray and the Highlands.
“Applications received were for more than twice the amount of funds available, therefore it was not possible to help everyone, no matter how worthy the cause, but the latest round brings the total contribution to date towards local causes in the area from the Berry Burn Community Fund to £ 1,978,035.”
Beneficiaries locally include Grantown Bowling Club - which will receive £10,500.00 for the refurbishment of the banking around the green, inclusion of a wheelchair ramp and overall improvement to the bowling green.
Grantown Business Association receives £8,400.00 to employ a project officer to help the committee implement its activity plan and generate revenue to make the role sustainable in the future.
Strathspey Camanachd has been awarded £750.00 to provide an opportunity for female shinty players to attend a cultural and sports exchange in Ireland
The Community Fund receives an index-linked annual budget of £246,964 from international renewables
company Statkraft, whose 29-turbine Berry Burn wind farm lies between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey.
The fund is overseen by 11 volunteer fund members, living and working within its operational boundary which takes in the community council areas of Forres, East Nairnshire, Grantown, Cromdale and Advie, Speyside, Heldon, Findhorn and Kinloss, Finderne and Dyke Landward.
The annual budget is spread over three awards rounds held during the year.
An opportunity has arisen for two new members to be appointed to the fund, Mr Morton said.
Applications are invited from local individuals living in the community council areas: “The role is voluntary and no fee is payable. Legitimate travel expenses can be claimed. For a more detailed description of the Fund Member role, and application form please see our website https://berryburncommunityfund.co.uk/documents/
The date of the next Berry Burn Community Fund awards meeting is 21st October 2024, with the closing date
for applications September 16. All details of how to apply, application form, and contact details for the Administrator, can be found online at https://berryburncommunityfund.co.uk
