GROUPS across Upper Nithsdale have received a shot in arm thanks to a opencast funding scheme.

Local community groups have been boosted thanks to enterprising young people at Sanquhar Academy.

A total of 12 groups will benefit from the second round of the Glenmuckloch Community Energy Park funding scheme – a project which provides financial assistance for public benefit to groups and organisations in the area using revenue generated by two wind turbines on a site adjacent to the Glenmuckloch surface mine, near Kirkconnel.

The successful groups in this round of funding are – Sanquhar Bowling Club, 1st Sanquhar Brownies, 1st Kelloholm Brownies, Sound Force, Sanquhar and District Silver Band, the Wanlockhead Inn, Nithsdale Wanderers Youth Football Club, Nith Valley United Youth Football Club, Sanquhar Senior Citizens’ Association and Sanquhar Troopers Club. Upper Nithsdale Youth Pipe Band and Happy Hooves equestrian centre will be receiving second funding instalments.

The money will help the Wanlockhead Inn get local people involved in tree carving; will help Nithsdale Wanderers with the cost of new sports equipment; and will be used by 1st Kelloholm Brownies to purchase high visibility jackets.

The funding programme is administered by fifth and sixth year pupils at Sanquhar Academy, who have adopted the name Propel for the charitable purposes committee.

Propel receives advice and support from representatives from the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust (SMRT), Buccleuch, and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Sanquhar Academy pupil Julie Cairns said: “We received almost 30 applications for the second round of funding and it was very difficult to choose the groups that would receive support.

“I’m really enjoying being part of Propel. It’s great learning about the different groups and organisations in Upper Nithsdale and I’m very proud that we are able to support projects that can make a positive and lasting impact in our community.

“It would not have been possible to get people involved in these community initiatives and activities without the support of the Glenmuckloch Community Energy Park project.

“We would like to thank you everyone who applied to the scheme and offer our congratulations to the successful groups.”

Alan Hiddleston of Buccleuch, chair of Glenmuckloch Community Energy Park board, said: “The first round of funding supported five projects and we’re very proud to be helping more than double the number of groups this time around.

“The 2015 funding has already provided help and support to people with physical disabilities and has given more youngsters the chance to learn about music, sport and nature. It’s already clear from changes in the community and our environment that the money has had a demonstrable impact.

“Propel received a fantastic number of applications for the second round of funding, which shows that people understand that the programme is having a very positive impact on the communities in Upper Nithsdale, and want to get involved.

“Youngsters at Sanquhar Academy continue to put a lot of time and effort into the project and I know that choosing the successful groups was a very challenging process as there were a lot of high quality applications.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council approved plans for up to two wind turbines in a development adjacent to the surface mine in June 2014. The 30 meter high turbines are now operational.