2022 Annual Report

There were 17 successful applications for grants from the community fund set up by RES (Renewable Energy Systems) which saw a historic landmark of over half a million pounds being reached since it was instituted in 2012.

For 2022 a total of £56,628 was distributed to organisations in the designated territory encompassing, Largs, Cumbrae and Fairlie.

Chairman Mr Alistair Green said: “Once again we had an impressive, interesting and varied range of applications from across the local communities which we unanimously agreed to support.  Having exceeded £500,000 in total grants since the Trust was formed a decade ago we were delighted to be joined by RES' Head of Communications, Callum Whiteford, at a special celebration in the Woodhouse Hotel, Largs to mark the occasion".

From Largs the applications included the highest award of £7k to Haylie House for the Elderly to enhance a new Medicare System with up-to-date WIFI connection; and £5000 for the Douglas Park project to provide public toilets within the volunteer-run gardens. There were also £5000 grants for Showworks Theatre Group for equipment to develop youth/adult drama, including pop-up theatre, and Largs Thistle Community Club towards floodlight facilities.

In Fairlie the Parish Church received £3500 for a significant Heat and Hospitality project within an open church initiative. The village Organic Growers also benefited.

From Millport; a major grant of £7500 for the Parish Church Plant to Plate enterprise, creating polytunnels and outdoor classes for islanders; Cumbrae Community Development Company, £3500 for the Garrison House hub, pond and gardens; and £1500 for the well-established island Model Railway tourist attraction.

Community Fund Administrator Drew Cochrane commented: “In ten years we have made more than 220 awards 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, Rev. Graham McWilliams and David Boyle (Treasurer). Administrator – Drew Cochrane.

To see a full list of awards made in 2022 please click here.