Funding generated by a Perthshire windfarm for community projects has topped £500,000.
SSE’s Drumderg windfarm community fund, which benefits east Perthshire, reached the milestone during the most recent round of grants.
More than £56,000 was awarded to seven projects, including a £10,000 grant to create a series of walking paths in and around the village of Kirkmichael.
The £60,000 project is being delivered by the Mount Blair Community Development Trust in partnership with the Perthshire Countryside Trust.
Also backed by a grant from the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, it will see the creation of a 14-mile path network that takes in four routes, including parts of the Pitcarmick Estate and Kindrogan Forest.
Other successful applicants to the windfarm fund include Alyth Guides, who have been awarded £20,000 towards the second phase of construction of their new hut.
Kirkmichael Session House is receiving £10,000 for vital repairs; and a further £10,000 will enable an arts programme to be set up based around the Cateran Trail.
Now entering its seventh year, the community fund was established during the construction of SSE’s 16-turbine Drumderg windfarm near Alyth. The cash is set aside for the benefit of groups and residents in the Alyth and Mount Blair community council areas.
Decisions on the allocation of funds are made by an independent panel of local people.
Lucy Holt, director of Mount Blair Community Development Trust said: “The new path network will put Kirkmichael firmly on the map as a great place to come and walk in Perthshire. Not only will this provide a welcome long-term boost for the local hotels and community-owned village shop, it will also be a great asset for locals, who will be able to access the beautiful countryside around them more easily.”
Graeme Keddie, head of community investment at SSE, said: “Reaching the £500,000 milestone is a major achievement.
“Over the last six years, the Drumderg windfarm fund has supported key community development activity across Alyth and Mount Blair, including initiatives for young people and the elderly, major improvements in community facilities, and vital funding for sporting, education and environmental groups.
“I’d like to thank the local panel for the responsible way in which the funds have been distributed and, with around £100,000 available each year, I’d encourage any community groups looking for support to get in touch.”