2024 Annual Report

There were 31 successful applications – the highest ever - for grants from the community fund set up by RES (Renewable Energy Systems) which has exceeded £600k since it was instituted in 2012.

For 2024 a total of £59,247 was distributed to organisations in the designated territory encompassing, Largs, Cumbrae and Fairlie.

Chairman Mr Alistair Green said:
“We had an almost overwhelming but interesting and very varied range of applications from across the local communities which – apart from two -we unanimously agreed to support once again. Projects included environmental work, energy saving and social sustainability in the form of sports, youth and cultural bodies.”

From Largs the applications included the highest award of £5k to Haylie House nursing home to help much needed renovation/improvements; and another grant of £5000 for Largs&District Historical Society Museum to modernise the information and tourist attraction. There were also £5000 grants for Largs Foodbank and Largs Thistle Community Club for new toilets at the town’s football ground. A new recipient, The Age Concern Day Centre received £3000 for kitchen improvements.

Fairlie Bowling Club was one of no fewer than five bowls clubs to receive grants varying from £1000 to £2500 to promote local membership and the sport development.

The island of Cumbrae benefitted with organisations ranging from Millport Model Railway attraction, Women’s Institute, Cycling Without Age, Millport Pipe Band and the long-standing Gala Queen event being awarded social sustainability awards.

Overall there were bids totalling over £132,000.

Community Fund Administrator Drew Cochrane commented:
“In 13 years we have made more than 275 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, Patricia Nicol, Alan Hill, David Hannah, Rev. Graham McWilliams and David Boyle (Treasurer). Administrator – Drew Cochrane.

To see a full list of awards made in 2023 please click here.