A range of community groups in Moray are benefitting from the second round of funding linked to EDF Renewables Dorenell Wind Farm. The awards are supporting projects which relate to a wide variety of local issues including road safety, mental health and affordable housing. Several groups have also received support to improve local community venues.
Dufftown Bowling Club, the Royal British Legion Dufftown and Glenlivet Public Hall will receive awards to upgrade their facilities such as new kitchens, windows and, for campers at Glenlivet, new showering facilities. Residents at Aigan Court sheltered housing in Dufftown have secured funds to build a shelter in their grounds to maximise the time they can spend out of doors.
Dufftown & District Community Association was awarded £13,950 to install speed signs to improve road safety in Dufftown. Dufftown in Bloom received an award of £5,194 to buy new planters and watering equipment for floral displays in the village.
A repayable sum of £60,000 was awarded to Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust which will help finance the construction of affordable housing to address the needs of residents in the Tomintoul and Glenlivet areas. This is part of a £2 million pound project organised by the community to redevelop the site of the old high school in Tomintoul.
Local teenagers and their families are set to benefit from a project which will be run by Moray Wellbeing Hub with Speyside High School. An award of £29,508 was made towards a 15-month project to support vulnerable young people to improve their mental health and well-being.
The total amount awarded across the Fund area in this most recent round of awards was £159,000.
Ian McDonald of Dufftown Bowling Club said: “We very much appreciate the grant and are excited about upgrading our facilities, which will make a great difference.”
The Fund is provided by EDF Renewables. EDF Renewables, Director of Asset Operations, Piero Maggio said: “Supporting local organisations with long term vision and improving the lives of local residents are key aims of the fund, it’s excellent to see the range of organisations who’ve been successful in the second round of funding.”
Projects that benefit the communities of Dufftown, Auchindoun, Glenrinnes, Glenlivet, Inveravon or Cabrach can apply for up to £30,000. Grant awards are recommended by a Panel of representatives drawn from those communities. Grants are available for projects and activities that are charitable in nature, community led and will benefit local residents. Projects should meet the themes highlighted in the Dorenell Community Development Plan such as environment, heritage, recreation, tourism, housing and transport.
The next deadline for applications is 31st March 2021, then 31st July. Full details are available on the Fund website here.
Advice on completing your application is available from the Fund Co-ordinator Marion McDonald on 07912 759524.