4 Winds SCIO

4 Winds SCIO have delivered more than £700,000 in community investment from the Little Raith Wind Farm over the first decade of operation!

That’s the incredible benefit which has flowed to the local community as the charity published a new report which confirmed more than 125 groups have benefitted since the wind farm became operational in 2013. 

Organisations from scout groups to food projects, gala days to xmas light appeals have all been supported across the four funded communities of Auchtertool, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Lumphinnans.

Charity Trustee and Secretary, Stuart Duffy, said, “I joined the team at 4 Winds around 9 months ago and it’s incredible how many groups have benefitted over the last decade, these funds have been a real lifeline for so many groups in the local area. I know the whole Board agree that we are really privileged to be in a position to support so many amazing good causes with these funds. The easy part is issuing the grants, the real hard work is in delivering the projects in our communities so we want to pay tribute to all 125 groups who do incredible work in so many ways locally.”

The wind farm, situated south of Cowdenbeath, alongside the A92, has 9 turbines and can generate up to 24.75 megawatts of electricity from wind, enough to power 19,000 average homes for a year!

The site is owned by The Renewables Infrastructure Group – the largest renewables operator in the world – with daily operations in the UK managed by RES.

A spokesperson for RES said, “We are delighted to see the community benefit fund from Little Raith Wind Farm make a very real difference to the communities of Auchtertool, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Lumphinnans. Here at RES we firmly believe communities who host wind farms should receive meaningful local benefits aligned with their priorities. We are assured of this through the passionate and excellent delivery and management of the benefit fund by 4 Winds. The benefit fund could not be in better hands!”

Trustees, who all live in the local community, meet quarterly to review applications and make awards based on strict criteria. The charity report shows 46 Lochgelly groups have shared £306,000 over the past ten years, and 52 groups in Cowdenbeath shared just over £200,000. Lumphinnans has received more than £95,000 in investment funds and Auchtertool received a little over £40,000.

Stuart said the charity continues to encourage more groups to apply, with the next funding round closing on Monday 27th May.  “We know the impact of inflation and the cost of living continues to make it difficult for community groups to keep going, so we’re encouraging groups to take a look at our website at 4winds.scot and consider applying this year. We’re happy to offer any advice too, just email us at Admin@4winds.scot“

You can read the full report by clicking here.