Moray communities benefit from £250,000 renewables cash
An internal report shows that SSE Renewables has pumped in nearly a quarter of a million pounds to Moray community projects in the last year.
SSE Renewables says it has spent £264,823 on support for community projects in the area during 2018/19.
Among the 23 projects benefiting from the funding pot was Wild Things, which was awarded £30,000 to encourage older participants to share their past experiences in nature and use this as inspiration for its ‘little saplings’ courses, which provide children with early nature experiences.
Luke Strachan, chief executive officer at Wild Things, said: “The support of SSE Renewables has enabled us to put health and wellbeing and older people at the heart of our work, providing opportunities for vulnerable and isolated people across Moray. We are excited to see the difference this project is already making.”
Other projects which received funding include Three Harbours Association which received £50,000 to expand and develop the Cullen Sea School and £9216 to Moray Citizens Advice Bureau to employ a part-time advisor.
The report shows SSE Renewables has made its largest ever investment in communities with £6.6 million invested in 413 projects across Britain from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.
SSE Renewables said the funds are part of a commitment to the communities near its developments and that funding decisions are made by local people.
This year, key areas of investment were improving local assets including community shops, museums and village halls. Support for health and wellbeing was an increased area of funding and saw awards support a range of projects in this field from a 4x4 ambulance to autism support and family first-aid classes.
Jim Smith, director of SSE Renewables, said: “The funding is vital to many local areas in Moray and we are delighted to support these communities to grow and flourish.
“The renewable energy sector has an important role to play in tackling the climate change challenge, but it also can play an important role helping rural communities thrive, as this report highlights.”
