£250,000 has been invested in community-led projects across Perth & Kinross through the SSE Renewables’ Sustainable Development Fund, helping support long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of communities.
A total of seven projects were successful in this round, these include several new community facilities, such as Rannoch Community Trust’s low carbon multi-purpose hub at a former outdoor education centre, which will address social isolation and support economic activity and employment opportunities.
Seamab received funding to install low carbon and renewable technologies at its new purpose-built learning environment for vulnerable children nearby Kinross; The Y Centre to install similar measures at its re-developed youth and community hub in Perth, and; Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Football Trust towards a solar photovoltaic system at the Trust’s new community sports pavilion.
Coupar Angus based Growbiz Scotland received a grant to deliver a learning programme for rural micro-enterprises in the region, to enable them to start their net zero journey and ‘green’ their operations.
"The rural businesses we support want to develop a better understanding of how they can work towards net zero, but often don’t know where to start. We’re delighted to have received this award from SSE Renewables – it will enable us to provide a customised learning programme and peer group support for micro-businesses from a diverse range of sectors in rural Perth & Kinross."
Jackie Brierton CEO of GrowBiz Scotland
"This latest round of awards from SSE Renewables’ regional fund demonstrates the sustainability focus of groups across Perth and Kinross. Community groups are keen to take the lead and help their local areas move towards net zero. As we celebrate 10 years of the Sustainable Development Fund, our panel are more committed than ever to supporting communities and help them achieve sustainability ambitions."
Morven Smith Head of Community Investment at SSE
Other successful projects include The Volunteer Tutors Organisation, to support a two-year programme of literacy and numeracy tuition and raise awareness of environmental issues amongst care experienced young people in Perth & Kinross. This will expand the organisation’s reach across the region, building on its existing collaboration with Perth & Kinross Council.
St. Madoes & Kinfauns Parish Church receiving funds to purchase an electric vehicle as part of its existing community transport service, allowing more vulnerable residents to attend medical appointment in Perth or Dundee.
The Sustainable Development Fund is in addition to SSE Renewable’s local community funds and supports strategic projects in regions where SSE Renewables operates. The fund brings the benefits of SSE Renewables’ energy developments to a wider area. It is directed at projects that can achieve significant and lasting impacts in local communities and help them on their journey to net zero.
SSE Renewables recently celebrated ten years of its flagship regional Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for Scotland. Since it was established in 2013, the wind-powered Sustainable Development Fund has invested more than £13.5m so far across 238 community projects in Scotland.
Currently, it’s estimated the SSE Renewables-backed fund will contribute at least £57m to regional development across Scotland over the next two decades. This figure, and the life expectancy of the fund, will grow as SSE Renewables delivers more new onshore wind farms across Scotland.
You can read the SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund Review here.