Langhope Rig Fund review

Foundation Scotland has undertaken a review of the Langhope Rig Community Fund.

The aim of the review was to ensure the continued commitment to the Scottish Government’s Good Practice principles and transparent community fund management.

Regular Fund reviews are essential for ensuring community funds deliver maximum benefit to local areas, helping the Fund continue to evolve alongside local priorities. These reviews ensure transparency, evaluate effectiveness, and identify opportunities for improvement, keeping funds closely aligned with the community's needs.

Scottish Government Good Practice Principles

The review process adheres to Scottish Government good practice principles for Community Benefit Funds, emphasising community-led decision making, fair application processes, clear governance, regular monitoring, and sustainable community development.

Foundation Scotland's approach to the Langhope Rig fund review helps to demonstrate these principles, ensuring the fund operates to the highest standards of community fund management.

Supporting Community Development

Through this comprehensive review process, Foundation Scotland reaffirms its commitment to supporting vibrant, sustainable communities through effective Fund administration. The findings will help shape future funding decisions and processes to maximise community benefit for the Community Council areas of Ettrick Yarrow, Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk Midlem, Upper Teviotdale & Borthwick Water, Hawick and Denholm and District.

About the Fund

The fund is provided by Greencoat UK Wind, the owners of the Langhope Rig Wind Farm located near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. It opened in 2017. An annual amount of £80,000, rising in line with inflation, will be paid into the fund for the operating life of the wind farm. In 2025, the annual contribution to the fund was just over £120,000.

The fund comprises two sub-funds:

Sub-fund A is a single, joint fund that supports groups and organisations delivering projects and services across the three community council areas of Ettrick Yarrow, Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk Midlem, Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water.

Sub-fund B includes the above three community council areas and Hawick & District and Denholm & District. Each of the five community councils is responsible for fund distribution locally within their own community council area.

You can read the review here and find out more on the Fund Information Page.