As a responsible developer, SPR strives to be a good neighbour in all aspects of its work. We are committed to the Argyll and Bute area and, in particular, to maximising opportunities for local communities to benefit from our projects.
SPR has been working alongside communities across the UK for nearly two decades and has, to date, contributed more than £38m in benefit funds to support initiatives and projects for those communities local to its windfarm sites. The company’s existing local windfarms, Cruach Mhor, Clachan Flats and Beinn an Tuirc, have contributed more than £1.8m in support to Argyll and Bute communities.
Sharing the Benefit
With the development of these sites nearby, SPR is continuing its history of working positively with local communities in Argyll and Bute. The flexible approach SPR has adopted has empowered local communities to decide what the community benefit is spent on. This has resulted in a fantastic diversity of projects being delivered, from improving local amenities, including town halls, cinemas and local youth clubs, to supporting work experience placements, educational workshops and much more.
Examples of Projects and Initiatives Delivered
- Almost £340,000 towards various youth and education activities, including £10,500 to three West Kintyre primary schools to enable them to work together to produce a short, animated film based on a local history project
- More than £26,000 towards solar panels, boiler upgrades and energy efficiency measures in village halls
- Over £65,000 towards general maintenance and equipment provision for various village halls
- More than £6,000 towards the purchase of defibrillators for local villages and equipment for local first responders
- Contributions of £7,500 towards the Kintyre Community Dialysis Unit
- £20,000 to Carradale Activity Play Park to assist with replacing equipment
- More than £12,000 towards the refurbishment and running costs of the Campbeltown Picture House
- Over £50,000 towards regular community events such as ceilidhs, Halloween and Christmas parties, and a local drama festival
- £9,000 in support to local volunteer radio station Argyll FM
- More than £60,000 in support for various local clubs and activities, including drama, rugby, swimming, football, angling, bowling and dance classes
- Continued funding of toilet provision at Gigha ferry terminal and Portaloos at Westport Beach
The proposed Earraghail Renewable Energy Development would enable further community benefit funding to be delivered to local communities for years to come.
Above: Local walking group at SPR’s Dersalloch Windfarm
Employment Opportunities
We are committed to maximising employment opportunities for those local to our projects by making sure that local people and businesses have the opportunity to be part of our industry’s success.
We believe that, should Earraghail RED be built, it would be one of the largest investments in Kintyre.
As a major infrastructure development, Earraghail Renewable Energy Development has the potential to create employment opportunities. If consent is granted, jobs would be created both during construction and after completion in support, operation and maintenance activities.
Opportunities for Local Businesses
New renewable energy developments can bring increased opportunities for local companies to gain new business. We are interested in working with local businesses that can provide a variety of skills and services during the construction phase and operational lifetime of our Development. This may include services such as ground and road maintenance, catering, various building trades and plant hire.
Above: Tower construction at SPR’s Kilgallioch Windfarm.
We will host ‘Meet the Contractor’ events before construction aimed specifically at small-to-medium-sized enterprises to discuss the types of contracts being let during construction and operation.
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