Lairg Wind Farm Community Fund

This fund supports charitable activities of benefit to those living within the Lairg Community Council area. The fund is provided by Lairg Wind Farm Ltd, the operator of the three-turbine wind farm at Cnoc Na Inghinnin. Starting in August 2012, it receives at least £22,000 annually (index-linked) for the wind farm's life, expected to be 25 years. The fund provides grants to support charitable activities that enhance the quality of life for local residents, contribute to vibrant, healthy, successful, and sustainable communities, and promote community spirit and encourage community activity. Grants may be requested to support a wide range of costs and activities, such as equipment costs, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional workers costs, consultations, maintenance, or refurbishment of community facilities. Awards will be prioritised that can demonstrate significant added value through leveraging additional funding from other sources, working in partnership with other groups and organisations to scale up projects and increase opportunities, and projects that have reach beyond one particular group or demographic that have potential to benefit the whole community. Though the upper limit for awards is stated as £5,000, awards above £5,000 can be considered in exceptional circumstances. Grant applications are considered at monthly meetings of Lairg Community Council. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of a Community Council meeting to be considered at that meeting. The Community Council currently meets on the first Wednesday of each month, excluding December.