Applications now open for MachairWind Small Donations Fund

Green energy company, ScottishPower Renewables, has launched a new £10,000 funding pot for communities across Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Ross of Mull and Iona thanks to its proposed MachairWind offshore windfarm.

The MachairWind Small Donations Fund – now open to applications – will offer funding of up to £500 for local island initiatives that focus on education, training and research; social initiatives; art and culture; and biodiversity and climate change.

The fund was created following community feedback on how the windfarm could support local people and groups at these early stages of the project’s development.

It was launched as the MachairWind team took part in the Bunessan Annual Agricultural Show on Mull and the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show on Islay, where they were joined by Argyll and Bute MSP, Jenni Minto.

Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind Development Lead, said: “We’re excited to launch this new funding pot, which gives the people of Islay, Jura, Colonsay, the Ross of Mull and Iona the opportunity to directly support the projects they want to deliver for their communities.

“The Small Donations Fund does exactly what it says on the tin – offers financial support of up to £500 for local groups and initiatives in line with ScottishPower’s key areas of interest – and has been created based on the feedback and funding queries we hear when out and about visiting the islands.

“The fund is just one example of the positive difference MachairWind will make for local people as we work to bring more clean power on to the grid. We’ll be awarding our first small donations later this year, so make sure you get your applications in before the deadline.”

Jenni Minto, MSP for Argyll and Bute added: “It’s fantastic to see ScottishPower Renewables launching the MachairWind Small Donations Fund to support island communities at the early stage of the project.

“This kind of grassroots funding can make a big difference to local groups, particularly in areas like education and biodiversity.  It shows a real commitment to listening to community voices and delivering meaningful support.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this fund will have across Islay, Jura, Colonsay, the Ross of Mull and Iona.”

Applications for the MachairWind Small Donations Fund will be reviewed quarterly, with the first application window open until 5pm on Friday 7 November.

MachairWind could generate around 2GW of clean, green electricity and deliver significant investment, jobs and opportunities across the west coast of Scotland and beyond.

 To find out more about the Small Donations Fund and how to apply, visit www.machairwind.com.