Caithness groups urged to apply for share of Halsary wind farm funding as deadline looms
Community groups are being urged to apply for some of the money from a £3.75 million fund created by Halsary wind farm before a deadline at the end of this month.
ScottishPower Renewables’ Halsary Community Benefit Fund is providing £150,000 each year for the next 25 years.
The three community council areas closest to the site – Halkirk and District; Latheron, Lybster and Clyth; and Watten – will each directly receive £30,000 a year for projects and initiatives chosen by local people for the benefit of local people.
A further £60,000 will be available annually through the Caithness Community Fund, which is open to groups from across Caithness including the three closest community councils as well as Berriedale and Dunbeath; Bower; Caithness West; Castletown; Dunnet and Canisbay; Sinclair's Bay; Tannach and District; Thurso; and Wick community councils.
Caithness Voluntary Group (CVG) is providing administrative support to the decision-making panels for both the Caithness Community Fund and the Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Fund.
CVG's Yvonne Hendry said this week: “The closing date for these funds will be November 28 and we would like to encourage groups to apply. Groups can email me at yvonne@cvg.org.uk if they have any questions.”
The Caithness Community Fund offers main grants up to a maximum £7500 and a minimum £501, as well as micro grants of up to £500.
The Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Fund provides grants of between £200 and £2000.
Guidance and application forms can be accessed on the CVG website.
Foundation Scotland is providing the administrative support for the Halkirk and Watten funds. These have different deadlines.
When the Halsary Community Benefit Fund was launched at the start of October, ScottishPower Renewables’ community liaison officer Siobhan Jarvie said: “It’s fantastic to see these funds up and running and I can’t wait to see the projects that come forward and make a positive difference for people and communities across Caithness. This will create a long and lasting legacy from Halsary wind farm that will deliver right across the region.”