Annual Report 2020
In common with most organisations Kelburn Windfarm Committee met by Zoom video arrangements to consider, discuss and determine 24 applications for grants from the community fund set up by RES (Renewable Energy Systems).
While a total of £49,200, ranging from £500 to £5000 was allocated by July 2020 a 'reserve fund' was laid aside, at the recommendation of RES, in order to deal with any late circumstances in light of the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic. Indeed, five Cumbrae groups which had received money in 2019 were allowed to bid for additional funds to meet issues resulting from lockdown restrictions.
Subsequently, in March, 2021 the committee held another virtual meeting to allocate £9000 from remaining funds to two other applications by non-profit residential care home Haylie House and community environmental project, Douglas Park.
Chairman Mr Alistair Green said:
“In a difficult and challenging year we had an impressive, interesting and varied range of applications from across the communities of Largs, Fairlie and Cumbrae which we unanimously agreed to support. No applicants were turned down and we set aside the ruling that interested parties could only apply every second year in order to assist groups which were impacted by lockdown."
From Largs the applications included a new organisation, Green Futures, which aims to carry out environmental work, such as setting up allotments, was awarded £5000 while the local Brisbane Observatory Trust received £4000 in their continuing project to preserve the remains of the historic observatory site in Brisbane Glen. New applicants Showworks Theatre (for a children's video film project), Largs Walking Football Club (for defibrillator equipment) and Largs Parkrun (to set up a regular running exercise venture) were given grants.
From Fairlie there were three successful applications featuring the community sports club's £5000 grant towards new facilities, the village gala committee for a bonfire event (£5000) and the Organic Growers receiving £1k for schools education.
From Millport, Cumbrae Community Development Company received the highest award of £5000 for the second successive year towards the health and safety investment in keeping the island public toilets open and safe, particularly in the present circumstances. New applicants, Cumbrae Parish Church secured £3000 towards a 'Living Room' citizens advice centre. Five island groups which received grants in 2019 were awarded small amounts to meet maintenance expenditure and loss of fundraising opportunities during lockdown.
Community Fund Administrator Drew Cochrane commented:
“In nine years we have made 200 awards distributing in excess of £420,000 to worthy community led projects across the area. This is entirely due to the generosity and support of both the wind farm owner TRIG and RES, who undertake the day-to-day management of the Kelburn Wind Farm.”
Members of the Kelburn Wind Farm Initiative are:
Alistair Green – Chairman; Joan Rae, Elisabethe Marshall, Patricia Nicol, Rev Jonathan Fleming, Alan Hill, Alex Gallagher and David Boyle - Treasurer. Administrator – Drew Cochrane.
To see a full list of awards made in 2020 please click here.