A FUNDING scheme offering a share of £50,000 each year to community projects in Dunbar has been launched.

Groups and organisations throughout the town could benefit from the fund, which is courtesy of Aikengall II Community Windfarm.

The wind farm’s owner, Community Windpower, has agreed the funds will be administered through the town’s community council, with grants divided equally between large and small projects.

Aikengall II Community Windfarm, which has 19 turbines in the Lammermuir Hills, generates enough electricity for about 40,000 homes and displaces around 68,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, said: “I’m very excited at the prospect of the Dunbar Community Council being able to access these generous funds from Community Windpower to make the town a better place for all.

“In these challenging times we need to be able to think ahead about what the town needs, and work with key organisations to see that the money is spent wisely and effectively.

“The smaller grants will enable the community galas and events to be planned with some confidence.

“Dunbar is blessed with volunteers who give up so much of their time to make Dunbar a lively place to live in, and these grants through Aikengall II Community Windfarm community benefit fund will support their work.”

Graham Adams, vice-chairman of the community council, has led the town’s Christmas lights team for a number of years.

A new community fund associated with Aikengall II Windfarm has been launched in Dunbar

A new community fund associated with Aikengall II Windfarm has been launched in Dunbar

He has also been heavily involved in painting a number of High Street buildings and restoring the town’s Corn Exchange.

Mr Adams felt there was still more that could be done and said: “There are community buildings and structures all over the town that need to be looked after if we are to continue to have pride in the town.

“We are delighted to see this financial support coming into the town.”

Separately, funding from the Aikengall windfarms supports the work the BeGreen Energy Advice Centre in Dunbar carries out every year, including helping people access services and grant funding related to energy efficiency.

The BeGreen shop is usually open between Monday and Wednesday, from 9am to 1pm, with Cathleen Anderson available to offer advice on energy saving, renewable top-up funding and other funding.

However, due to Covid-19 the shop is currently only accessible by calling 01368 863720 or by emailing begreen@communitywindpower.co.uk

Diane Wood, community benefits director at Community Windpower, said: “We are really pleased to be able to provide this funding to Dunbar Community Council, which we know will benefit local people and organisations.

“This money is part of £300,000 of community benefit funding that Aikengall II provides to the local area each year.

“We’re looking forward to working with everyone at the community council in the coming months and years, to make the best use of the money.”