Langhope Rig community fund supporting local young people
The Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has awarded over £40,000 to community projects, including those that provide support to local young people.
The largest single award of £19,200 was granted to Live, Learn, Earn to support the delivery of their R-evolve workshops for young people at Selkirk High School. Following the success of R-Evolve's pilot project in 2024, the organisation applied for and secured funding for an additional two-year period. These workshops are designed to help participants develop practical skills while creating meaningful community installations. This initiative directly addresses the need for youth development and skills training throughout the region.
Aegir Maciver, R-Evolve Programme Director, said:
This grant will be significant for our R-evolve workshops and the young people we support in our rural community. Following the success of our pilot project, this two-year funding commitment allows us to address a genuine gap in the area - young people often lack access to skills development opportunities and can feel disconnected from their communities. Through R-evolve, we are not only teaching practical skills but empowering participants to create meaningful community installations while building their confidence and employability potential. This Fund understands the unique challenges facing rural areas, and without this support, many talented young people would have limited opportunities to develop locally. We're incredibly grateful for Langhope Rig Fund's investment in both individual participants and the long-term social and economic vitality of our whole region.
Cheviot Youth received £13,000 to support the development of a dedicated, confidential therapeutic space for children and young people aged 8–25 from the Fund area. This project will provide one-to-one counselling to help them cope with emotional distress and mental health challenges, addressing the growing need for mental health support among young people in the community.
The Fund also supported applications for community spaces, including Upper Teviotdale Pastoral Society, with an award of £2,200 towards a new marquee for catering and events. This new space will enhance health, hygiene, and community engagement at their gatherings.
Finally, Forman Memorial Hall received £5,400 to contribute to three years of core accounting activities and maintain the hall for community benefit, ensuring operational continuity of this important community asset.
Jannie Arnott, Treasurer of Forman Memorial Hall said:
This award will support our treasurer role, playing an important part in allowing us to continue to serve our community. Having dedicated administrative support means we can focus more energy on programming and community engagement, rather than being overwhelmed by financial management. This investment in our group’s capacity shows a real understanding of what village halls need to thrive. The funding hasn't just maintained our building – it's helped strengthen the heart of our village.
Funding decisions are agreed by a local panel, made up of community members whose experience and familiarity with the places they live ensure the Fund remains community focused.
David Macdonell, a panel member said:
This funding round really highlights the diverse needs across our communities and how local groups are stepping up to address them. From Live Learn Earn's innovative workshops that are giving our young people practical skills for the future, to Cheviot Youth's crucial mental health support - these are exactly the kinds of projects that make a lasting difference. As Panel members, we understand the challenges our rural communities face, and it's incredibly satisfying to support projects that tackle everything from youth development to community infrastructure with such thoughtful, targeted approaches.
The Fund supports projects and individuals located within the areas of Ettrick & Yarrow, Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk & Midlem, Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water, and is provided by Greencoat UK Wind and administered by Foundation Scotland.
Since the Fund opened in 2017, it has awarded over £470,000 to groups, charities and individuals, building on its track record of supporting community development across the Fund area.
Funding awards of between £1,000 and £20,000 are available, with the next application deadline in January 2026.
Read more about the Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund