Local village hall gets wind farm funding boost

This welcome funding boost means they will be able to proceed with a major upgrade of the hall. 

The hall requires significant refurbishment to ensure it is fit for the next generation of users.  The award will allow the management committee to install accessible toilets, repair external stonework and decorate the internal space.

David Grant of Rannes Hall Management Committee said “We are delighted to receive this award.  Together with using some of our own reserves which we have carefully built up over the years, we will use the money to install fully accessible toilets in the hall, construct a replacement external store, carry out repairs to the exterior stonework, redecorate the hall interior, and replace the curtains in the main hall.  The hall is well used by the local community and we hope that this will ensure that it is fit for purpose and will provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for many years to come.”

Pete Kunz, Vattenfall’s Service Leader for the Clashindarroch Wind Farm, said: "I’m delighted to hear that Rannes Hall has received a grant from the Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund to enable a major refurbishment.  I would like to encourage other local organisations to get involved and apply for grants in the future.”

Other awards made in the latest round of funding included:

• Huntly Football Club Charitable Trust - to purchase movement activated message speakers for the sensory garden in Huntly;
• Home-Start Deveron – to support families and young children in the local area;
• Strathbogie Riding for the Disabled - to provide transport for children in Huntly and the surrounding areas to attend the group's sessions in Oyne;
• Rhynie Gala - to purchase a portable stage;
• Scott Hall in Forgue - to carry out repairs to the hall;
• Huntly Floral Fund - to purchase a trailer which will enable the group to water Huntly's floral tubs and planters.

The Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund, which benefits the four areas served by the Huntly, Strathbogie and Tap o’ Noth Community Councils and the Cabrach Community Association, is managed on behalf of the developer of the Clashindarroch Wind Farm, Vattenfall by Foundation Scotland.  Vattenfall, the owner of the 18 turbine wind farm, pays £185,000 (index linked) into the fund every year. 

For more information about the fund and details of the latest awards visit www.foundationscotland.org.uk/clashindarroch