Clyde Wind Farm Limited, owned by SSE Renewables, Greencoat UK and GLIL Corporate holdings, has already provided over £7.5 million in funding awards to the south of Scotland since 2012 and is committed to making a lasting impact in the area. The new £9.6m will provide funding for the south Lanarkshire region for the 25-year lifetime of the project and the first funding round is now open for applications.
The last year saw £1 million invested from the Sustainable Development fund to transformational projects in the south of Scotland. The fund supports projects which make a lasting difference in local areas including the community re-development of the Crook Inn in the Scottish Borders, the successful hosting of the World Costal Rowing Championships in Dumfries & Galloway and improvements at the New Lanark Trust in South Lanarkshire.
One of only six UNESCO sites in Scotland, the renowned world heritage site received a £180,000 award from the Sustainable Development Fund towards improving the infrastructure at the site to cope with increasing numbers of visitors. The improved facility will help bring more tourists to the region and encourage people to continue their visit within the local area.
Joining members of the New Lanark Trust to celebrate the new fund and showcase the benefits of the Sustainable development fund were other recipients of the fund and Lord Jack McConnell, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Fund.
At the opening event, Lord Jack McConnell said: ‘I am proud the Sustainable Development Fund has funded a range of transformational projects in the South of Scotland. The £1 million provided in the last year supports projects which will make a significant difference for local communities and enhance the local economy.”
Stuart Hood, Chairman of the Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Ltd Board said: “Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Ltd and its joint venture partners are delighted to have had the guidance of Lord McConnell and the Sustainable Development Board as we look to contribute over £50 million to local communities over the lifetime of the wind farm. The Clyde Board can already see how important these funds are to developing key local projects and look forward to the funds continuing to meet community needs for years to come.”
Morven Smith, Head of SSE Renewables Community Investment team said: “New Lanark world heritage site celebrates the lasting legacy of pioneer Robert Owen, so where better to celebrate the legacy that Clyde Wind Farm has already made and will make to the communities in the south of Scotland?”
“We are very proud to play a key funding role in helping these transformational projects come to fruition and we’re really pleased to have had the chance to bring some of the recipients together in one place to share their achievements. They have already shown how committed they are to their community and we hope that we can continue to work together to bring even greater benefits to the area.”