Nine local projects in the Glenkens and surrounding districts have netted a combined £137,000 in the latest round of awards from the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund.
Top of the pile was Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) which received £25,000 – the maximum grant available – for
its town hall renovation programme.
Dunscore Playpark Project also cashed in with £25,000 towards creating a new multi-use tarmac path round the playing fields.
Delighted playpark project chairperson Jade Crichton said: “We were so pleased to receive this £25,000 award from the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund.
“We have now reached our fundraising goal for this stage of our playpark project.
“We can’t wait to see the path installed as it will make a really big difference for families of all ages in our village.”
Elsewhere, Kirkpatrick Durham Community Hall got £14,000 for urgent rewiring work to keep the popular venue in safe use.
And the Scottish Wildlife Trust received £12,540 towards boardwalk repairs at it
Knowetop Lochs nature reserve between Corsock and Balmaclellan.
The smallest award of £2,856 will go towards installing plaques and an information board at the Ken Bridge to celebrate the bicentenary of its completion.
The structure was designed by famous Scottish engineer John Rennie – one of the country’s great 19th century bridge builders.
Fiona Smith, chairperson of the Glenkens and District Trust which runs the awards scheme alongside Foundation Scotland, said: “The trustees are very pleased that the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund has once again been able to support so many important local projects across the area.
“We will soon be moving to two funding rounds per year – so keep an eye on our Facebook page @glenkenstrust for news on new dates.”
Mrs Smith was also pleased that some grants were enabling priorities identified in the Glenkens and District
Community Action Plan to come to fruition.
They include support for activities for young people, a local food hub and a new Glenkens information website.
An announcement on closing dates for the next round of funding is expected in May.
