Wiston Lodge, an experiential learning centre near Biggar, South Lanarkshire, has been awarded a six-figure grant from SSE’s Clyde Wind Farm Community and Development Fund.
An award of £100,762 has been granted towards the installation of a woodchip fuelled biomass heating system to replace the existing inefficient Kerosene and LPG systems. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around £210,000.
The charity was formed in 2007 to support the personal, social and emotional development of people who face disadvantages. The social enterprise offers outdoor learning, environmental education and arts based programmes.
The base for their activities is Wiston Lodge itself, a large 1870s former hunting lodge. Local community groups also use the facilities for events, but an old and inefficient heating system means the rooms are cold.
The new biomass heating system will make the centre cheaper to run and become the focal point of a renewable energy education programme. This will be available to youth and adult groups through open days, talks, practical courses, and give the opportunity to view the biomass project in operation.
Tony Burley, General Manager of Wiston Lodge, said: “We would like to thank the Clyde Wind Farm Community and Development Fund, supported by SSE, for the grant towards the installation of a woodchip fuelled biomass heating system. We are absolutely thrilled with this positive outcome.
“At Wiston Lodge we get great feedback for our homemade and locally sourced food, the care and attention of our staff and for the ‘warm’ atmosphere. Our only complaints have been for the poor heating through the colder times of the year.
“This will be greatly appreciated by all the guests from the surrounding communities and further afield who use our facilities including our great staff and volunteers.”
Graeme Keddie, Head of Community Investment, SSE, said: “This is a great example of how wind farm funds can support sustainable projects that have a significant social impact.
“The work the charity does to support the development of vulnerable people in the area is vital and I’m delighted that we are able to make this six-figure award that will lower the centre’s running costs and increase its long-term viability.
“We look forward to supporting many more projects like this throughout the lifetime of the £20m fund.”
The SSE Clyde Wind Farm Community and Development Fund was established in 2011 and is expected to deliver more than £20m of support for community projects across South Lanarkshire during the next 25 years. The fund is administered on SSE’s behalf by South Lanarkshire Council.
For more information about the Clyde Wind Farm Community and Development Fund visit: /community/communityfunds/clyde or contact John Archibald at South Lanarkshire Council on 01698 455 181 or john.archibald@southlanarkshire.gov.uk