Funding boost for Fife community projects
Fife community projects receive boost through NnG offshore wind farm community funds.
Thirteen community organisations across the East Neuk of Fife have shared more than £20,000 from the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) Offshore Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, supporting projects that range from children's activities and literacy programmes to community facilities and cultural events.
Six community organisations in and around Anstruther have shared £10,800, while seven groups in Pittenweem have received a total of £10,446 through dedicated local small grants programmes.
The funding is helping local groups improve community spaces, support young people and families, enhance accessibility, and strengthen opportunities for residents to come together through sport, culture and volunteering.
These are the first awards made from both funds for the respective areas, which form part of a wider programme of community benefit support provided by the NnG offshore wind farm, with additional funds in Fife, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. NnG is jointly owned by EDF power solutions UK and ESB, and the funds are administered by Foundation Scotland.
Award recommendations are made by local volunteer panels, made up of residents and members of the local community councils.
In Anstruther, among the six groups to receive funding was the Anstruther Harbour Festival Trust, with a £1,500 award to contribute to the costs of publicity materials, first aid provision and volunteer expenses for the 2026 Anstruther Harbour Festival and Muster. Funding will help deliver a safe and inclusive community event that strengthens local connections.
Other Anstruther awards include support for an Early Years Co-ordinator through the Anstruther Improvements Association, a new library space at Anstruther Primary School and improved access to Cellardyke Tidal Pool, helping make the popular community asset safer and more accessible.
East Neuk Centre Trust received £1,410 for free summer programme for young people in the East Neuk, delivering 17 sessions of skills-building, confidence-boosting and wellbeing activities. (pictured below)
Louise McEwan from the East Neuk Centre Trust commented:
“The funding made a real and positive difference to our Community Summer Programme, giving young people and families in our local rural community access to a range of fun, free activities and opportunities throughout the summer.
It helped us bring families together, strengthen community engagement, and create opportunities for people to meet, connect, and build relationships. In a rural area where social isolation can be a real challenge, the programme provided a welcoming space for families and young people to come together, make new friends, and feel part of their community.
In Pittenweem, funding has supported a range of community improvements, including upgraded facilities at the New Town Hall and Community Library, enrichment activities for pupils at Pittenweem Primary and Nursery, improvements to the tidal pool surroundings, and support for local arts, music and community events.
These awards had a strong focus on improving community facilities and public spaces, alongside support for activities that benefit local families, schools and cultural groups. |
Welcoming the first awards from both local funds, Piero Maggio, Asset Operations Director for Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, said:
| “It is fantastic to see the positive difference these small-scale grant schemes are making at a grassroots level within both the Anstruther and Pittenweem communities. Thank you to the panels for giving up their time and expertise to ensure the funds are maximised for the benefit for local people of all ages. From a free summer programme for young people, to new equipment for the rowing club, and funding for an early year’s co-ordinator and a school library – the positive impact from this fund will be seen for many years to come.” |
Over its 25-year lifetime, the NnG offshore wind farm is expected to provide around £6.75 million in community benefit funding to coastal communities in Fife, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. During the first three years of operation, 20% of the funding allocation will support communities across the East Neuk of Fife, including Crail, Elie and Earlsferry, St Monans and Abercrombie, Pittenweem, and Kilrenny, Anstruther and Cellardyke. The fund is administered by Foundation Scotland, which works closely with local communities to maximise the impact of the investment.
Read more about the NnG (Pittenweem) Community Fund and the NnG (Anstruther) Community Fund.