Cash fund to deliver benefits to East Renfrewshire communities

A community fund set up by ScottishPower Renewables is set to help local groups in East Renfrewshire to the tune of an inflation-linked annual sum of £140,000 for the next 25 years.

The voluntary contribution is part of an agreement made between Scottish Power and East Renfrewshire Council when planning consent was granted for the 140-turbine Whitelee Wind Farm.

East Renfrewshire councillor Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Whitelee Wind farm fund panel, said: "Though the fund is available across East Renfrewshire, projects from the areas closest to the wind farm, in Eaglesham and Waterfoot, will be given priority.

"Projects that could receive support should show a benefit to the community and could include sustainable energy initiatives, environmental improvements, community events, infrastructure improvements, tourism and leisure activities."

Whitelee is Europes's largest onshore wind farm and approval has been granted for a further 39 turbines.