A range of charities and projects receive vital funding
An energy company has announced over £540,000 funding for community projects in Scotland.
Eleven transformational community initiatives are to receive £542,621 of funding in the first round of SSE and Clyde Wind Farm Ltd South Lanarkshire Sustainable Development Fund.
Among them is a £58,645 award to The Haven to support people experiencing a range of life limiting illnesses in rural South Lanarkshire; a £73,025 award to the Machan Trust to provide services to improve the life chances of young people aged 5-9 years old; and £45,173 to CCI Scotland to reduce food poverty and grow community assets in rural areas.
Janice Williams chief executive of The Haven said: “The funding will help to develop the centre as a resource for local communities, working with organisations and community groups to make a difference and support a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.”
Colleen Scott, development officer of CCI Scotland said: “The vital support provided by this fund will achieve significant and wide ranging social impact by empowering local groups and individuals experiencing food poverty, health inequalities and social exclusion to develop a number of community growing assets that will improve their wellbeing, social connections and vocational skills.”
SSE and Clyde Wind Farm Ltd created the Sustainable Development Fund as part of its community benefit arrangements from its Clyde onshore renewable energy development in South Lanarkshire.
The fund supports projects which address one of three priorities: employability, community empowerment, and the enhancement of the built and natural environment.
Decisions on the final awards were made by an independent panel led by former first minister Lord Jack McConnell.
Panel chair Lord Jack McConnell said: "In this first round of funding for South Lanarkshire, we were delighted to support innovative projects that will improve services for vulnerable people living in rural areas, and improve skills so that local young people can find jobs."
