Residents of Carsphairn, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and Patna are being invited to join the first in a series of workshops to discuss South Kyle Wind Farm’s community investment fund.
The events, part of Vattenfall’s pledge to invest in the local communities neighbouring the site, which is around 5km east of Dalmellington, are being held online and the first two sessions are today (Wednesday, October 28) at 11am and 7pm. Two more sessions will follow on Wednesday, November 4 at 11am and 7pm.
Vattenfall, who are building the 50-turbine wind farm, are carrying out the discussions in partnership with Foundation Scotland, a charity that supports developers and communities set up and implement community benefit funds.
Vattenfall say that once constructed, the development will generate a significant community investment fund for the local area – worth an estimated £38million over 25 years.
Further workshops will be scheduled later this winter, with face-to-face meetings following if COVID-19 restrictions allow.
Places for the event are limited and can be booked on eventbrite.co.uk by searching for ‘southkyle’.
Carol Kane, Vattenfall’s Regional Liaison Officer for South West Scotland, said: “Vattenfall proactively supports communities to maximise positive impacts provided by our wind farms, and across the country our community investments have supported many examples of truly transformative change for towns and villages.
"We’re really excited to learn about local ambition for realising the benefits of the South Kyle Community Investment Fund and, even with the challenges of the pandemic, want to include as many local voices as possible in this conversation, and look forward to kicking off the discussions this autumn.”
Suzy Mercer of Foundation Scotland said: “We’ve had a great response to the online poll and now want to begin informing and inspiring each other about what a South Kyle Community Investment Fund can achieve and how.
"These first sessions will start that discussion, followed by others focusing on specific themes and issues relevant to your local community plans. We know it’s challenging having to do this online only but look forward to meeting those of you who can make it.”
To find out more about Vattenfall and the community investment visit https://group.vattenfall.com/uk/what-we-do/our-projects/investing-in-local-communities
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