Work towards the creation of the South Kyle Wind Farm Community Investment Fund will take another step forward this spring with the next series of online workshops.
Due to open in 2023, the Fund will be generated by South Kyle Wind Farm and will be worth an estimated £38million over 25 years to the Carsphairn, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and Patna areas. Ahead of that, the wind farm’s developer Vattenfall is working with local communities to develop a bespoke arrangement designed to deliver for local people. This process started last year with initial research followed by local polling on priorities plus initial community discussions.
Now, a series of ‘Inform and Inspire’ sessions have been scheduled to look in greater depth at some of the key priorities raised thus far. These include tourism and heritage; education and training; housing; greening communities, and sport, leisure, health and well-being. As well as discussing ideas, the workshops will also be an opportunity to consider inspirational examples of projects from elsewhere in Scotland where community benefit has made a key contribution.
“We’d love to see as many local people as possible get involved in these discussion sessions,” says Suzy Mercer of Foundation Scotland, the charity commissioned by Vattenfall to work with local communities in developing a bespoke arrangement for the South Kyle Wind Farm Fund. “As well as an opportunity to have your say, ask questions and help shape the Fund, each session will be a chance to meet people involved in community funded projects from across the country and we have some great examples and speakers lined up from as far afield as Caithness to Stranraer.
“We are covering a number of key themes, all of which were identified through our polling and other research last year. However, if local people are keen to look at other themes, please get in touch too. This stage is all about exploring what local communities want to see the South Kyle Fund achieve, so we can take that understanding to the next stage which will see the creation of a working group to build the Fund’s foundations.”
Carol Kane, Vattenfall’s Regional Liaison Officer for South West Scotland, added: “As we build South Kyle Wind Farm, Vattenfall is committed to maximising opportunities for local communities, and this extends to creating meaningful opportunities to get involved in shaping the South Kyle Community Investment Fund ahead of it’s opening in 2023. The groundwork we do now will help to ensure that the Fund arrangement meets local priorities and aspirations, so if you live, work or are interested in the futures of Carsphairn, Dalmellington, New Cumnock or Patna please get involved and join all or any of the sessions.”
Dates, details and how to book the online Inform and Inspire sessions can be found at www.vattenfall.co.uk/southkyle and on the South Kyle Community Investment Fund Facebook page @SouthKyleCommunityFund
The Inform and Inspire scheduled so far are sessions:
Tourism and Heritage – 5/5/21 and 02/06/21 (11am and 7pm)
How can the South Kyle Fund help communities make the most of the abundant physical and natural assets of the local area? Over two different sessions, hear from local representatives from Highland, the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway who have used community benefits to boost tourism and heritage, and discuss opportunities for South Kyle.
Education and Training – 19/5/21 (11am and 7pm)
What education and training opportunities exist and how might the South Kyle Fund build on these? For example, community benefit funds have been used to provide tailored support packages to individuals keen to develop their skills and employability and to support local businesses keen to provide apprenticeship opportunities. Hear how some communities are achieving this in Falkirk and Highland.
Tackling Housing Challenges – 26/5/21 (11am and 7pm)
Could the South Kyle Fund help your communities take the lead in affordable housing? Investment min affordable housing is key to regenerating and sustaining communities, and we’ll look at examples from elsewhere in Scotland who are using community funding to create affordable housing suited to their local needs.
Greening Communities – 9/6/21 (11am and 7pm)
How can South Kyle communities adapt for climate change? Discuss your ideas for reducing impact, and mitigating the effects. Often it’s at the local level that we have the power to do something positive. We’ll hear from a few communities that are doing their bit for people and planet.
Sport and Leisure, health and wellbeing – 23/6/21 (11am and 7pm)
How might the Fund improve local opportunities for sports and leisure, enhance well being, and build community cohesion? What existing ideas could the Fund make a reality, and what new ideas could be considered? Meet community representatives from South Ayrshire and Falkirk who have harnessed community benefit funding to boost wellbeing.
