Local funding to benefit the whole community
Local projects highlight the community impact of funding from the An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund.
The An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund supports community projects benefitting those living in the areas covered by the Community Councils of: Glenorchy and Innishail (Eredine only); Inveraray; Furnace, and by Dalavich Improvement Group.
The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance the quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful, and sustainable communities and promote community spirit and encourage community activity.
The following case studies highlight some of the ways this funding has made a positive difference to the local area.
Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) received £12,000 from the An suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund to distribute to eligible households to mitigate the impact of the cost of living rises.
The entire £12,000 was distributed directly to households in need, with no funds used for administrative costs:
- £6,000 was allocated to the Charis account
- £6,000 was given to the Fuel Bank Foundation
This approach provided advisers with flexible options to support clients, including crisis support, fuel vouchers, cash payments for alternative fuel needs, and other emergency assistance.
The An Suidhe fund supported 35 households in total. However, the holistic approach of Argyll & Bute CAB meant that clients also received comprehensive benefits checks, resulting in additional financial gains exceeding £16,000 in benefit entitlements that clients were previously unaware of.
The An Suidhe fund provided vital support to a single mother of two teenage sons who approached Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau in a financial crisis. Struggling with significant health problems that prevented employment, she was being pursued for energy arrears whilst finding it difficult to afford essential living costs. Her situation was complicated by additional family health conditions that increased their energy usage. The client's mental health had deteriorated to the point where she struggled to manage daily responsibilities, resulting in unclaimed benefits and mounting rent arrears.
CAB advisers provided immediate relief with £400 in energy vouchers and helped secure a replacement washing machine via the Charis Shop. This initial support created breathing space that allowed advisers to help her navigate the benefits system, ultimately securing an additional £3,245 in entitled benefits. The client reported significant relief and reduced anxiety. This case exemplifies how targeted energy support combined with holistic advice can transform a household's financial circumstances and well-being, demonstrating the fund's impact beyond immediate crisis intervention.
Dalavich Community Centre Kitchen Upgrade Serves Up New Opportunities
Dalavich Improvement Group (DIG), established in 2002, is a community organisation based in Argyll, Scotland, serving the settlements of Dalavich, Inverinan, Lochavich, and Kilmaha, Argyll. The organisation focuses on developing, managing and sustaining community land and assets, whilst providing recreational facilities and activities.
Their objectives include advancing community development, rural regeneration, and protecting the environment for residents' benefit.
The organisation owns several community assets, including a community centre with a commercial kitchen, a playground, a foreshore area, a meadow, various open spaces, and buildings, including a laundry facility. They organise annual community events such as a summer fun day and a fireworks display.
The area serves approximately 150 full-time residents, though this number can increase by up to 500 during peak tourist seasons. Their work supports both the permanent community and visitors to the area, contributing to the region's seasonal tourism economy.
Dalavich Improvement Group sought funding to upgrade their community centre's kitchen storage room and entrance areas in Argyll. The project addressed urgent repairs, including insulation of walls, ceiling and floor, replacement of rotten flooring and steps, and installation of secure doors with alarm fittings. They also raised the roof height above the kitchen door to prevent damage.
The work was completed in September 2024 over three weeks by their chosen contractor.
The improvements made the facility more energy efficient, reduced pest infestation, enhanced security and improved hygiene standards. The project came in on budget and benefited approximately 1,000 individuals, making the space more functional for both community and visitor use.
Pam Stansbury Chair of DIG said:
“The upgrade has brought our community closer together. Now we've got a kitchen that works brilliantly and opens up so many more possibilities for everyone, whether they live here or are just visiting. It's fantastic to see different groups working together and making the most of this improved space."
Furnace Village Hall Outdoor Community Space
The Furnace Village Hall, as the focal point of community life in this Argyll village of 300 residents, recently underwent a remarkable transformation of its previously neglected garden area. Before the project, the space behind the hall was unusable with rough ground, unfinished wooden fencing, and heavy link fencing that blocked the disabled parking space.
Through a grant of £8,600, Furnace Community SCIO was able to completely refurbish this outdoor area. The project involved installing Indian sandstone tiling, extending timber fencing to create a secure enclosed space, adding a timber gate, and introducing hanging baskets, planters and garden furniture. Professional landscapers handled the tiling and fencing, while community volunteers enthusiastically took on the painting and planting tasks, transforming the space into an inclusive, accessible outdoor space that enhances the hall’s appeal.
The impact extended beyond mere physical improvements. A community gardening group formed after securing an additional £1,300 from Argyll and Bute Council's Supporting Communities Fund/Climate Change Fund for plants and pots. One resourceful member repurposed old iron bench ends to create attractive seating. The space quickly became a versatile community asset, hosting a successful village BBQ where children played safely while adults socialised.
Lynda Syed, Treasurer of Furnace Community SCIO said:
"The outdoor space has proved to be a successful and popular project. Feedback from members of the community has been overwhelmingly positive and we are looking forward to enjoying this secure and attractive community area for many years to come. Furnace Community SCIO will be planning more village events around this project in the future."
Read more about the An Suidhe Wind Farm Community Fund