Cawdor new playpark equipment welcomed after £30,000 investment from wind farm community fund
Families in Cawdor are celebrating the installation of brand new equipment at the local play park, made possible through a £30,000 investment.
The project was funded by Cawdor and West Nairnshire Community Benefit Organisation (C&WNCBO), also known as Winds of Change.
The organisation - funded mainly through the Tom Nan Clach Windfarm south of Nairn - had previously funded the painting of the original equipment along with the installation of bark and retaining boards.
Since 2018, residents of Cawdor and West Nairnshire have benefited from an annual index-linked grant of more than £62,000 from Nan Clach Ltd - which operates the wind farm.
According to a Winds of Change spokesperson this funding, which continues for 25 years, offers an “amazing opportunity” for local people to invest in their community with planned projects.
Trustee and former chairwoman of the organisation, Margaret Robertson, said: “The new equipment purchased with funding from Winds of Change has brought a new dimension to the village play park and is proving a great hit with local children and families enhancing the existing swings, roundabout, chute and climbing frame, all of which were recently painted by the fund.
“In a central location and close to the Tavern, the local deli and primary school it is an added attraction to the area.”
Since the fund’s inception, large grant awards have included annual funding for the benefit of Cawdor Primary School pupils, equipment for Cawdor Bowling Club, materials and plants for Cawdor Village Planting and Cawdor Wildflower Meadow, funding for West Nairnshire Safer Paths, Cawdor and Clephanton Playparks, Cawdor Clay Pigeon Shooting Club, Cawdor and West Nairnshire Community Council, Nairn and District Beekeepers Association and the provision of local defibrillators.
Many small grants have been awarded, including to Cawdor Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers, Cawdor and Geddes Womens’ Institutes, local Scouts, Junior Football and Rugby Players and Nairn Book and Arts Festival.
The trustees are happy to discuss potential projects, which must be of benefit to the area and those who reside there.
Residents of the Cawdor and West Nairnshire area over the age of 16 are eligible for membership with information and application forms being available on the windsofchangecawdor.com website or by contacting the secretary.
Guidance on applications for funding is also available on the website.
