2021 Annual Report

In common with most organisations Kelburn Windfarm Committee met by Zoom video arrangements to consider, discuss and determine 21 applications for grants from the community fund set up by RES (Renewable Energy Systems).

While a total of circa £53,000, ranging from £1000 to £10,000 was allocated by July, 2021 a 'reserve fund' was laid aside, due, in part, to £5k being returned from a project which did not go ahead. Therefore, it was decided to add late applications before the end of the financial year.  Subsequently, in December 2021 the committee held another meeting - and email discussion - to allocate £8,400 from remaining funds to three other applications by Largs Foodbank, Largs & District Dementia Friendly Committee and Largs Organic Growers.

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. Only one application did not meet our stated criteria, plus another from outwith the designated area."

From Largs the applications included the highest award of £10k to the campaign to save the town clock at the parish church, and £9500 for the continuation of the internationally recognised Viking Festival. Sporting and active organisations from football, rowing and skateboarding received grants, alongside a novel Forest School initiative, theatre groups and environmental projects, including the expansion of the Railway Gardens.

From Fairlie the only applicant, Fairlie Joggernaults received £1000 for a new jogging health initiative.

From Millport; the Town Hall restoration received £4k for energy efficient installation, the Cumbrae Forum (£3k) towards opening their new advice centre and the island bowling club to help mark the 150th anniversary.

Community Fund Administrator Drew Cochrane commented: “In ten years we have made more than 200 awards distributing in excess of £480,000 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, , Alan Hill, Alex Gallagher and David Boyle (Treasurer). Administrator – Drew Cochrane. A new Director Rev. Graham McWilliams is taking the place of the Rev. Jonathan Fleming who has moved from the district.

To see a full list of awards made in 2021 please click here.