ENERGY fund initiatives have been making a significant impact on the communities of Stow and Fountainhall, writes Martin MacDonald.

In the six years since its inception almost £300,000 has been spent on local projects.

From the restoration of Fountainhall village hall and the Old Kirk in Stow to investing in a new play park and the next generation of pipers, the fund is reaching and supporting all aspects of community life.

Fountainhall Village Hall Committee received £25,000 towards the redevelopment of the hall and the subsequent increase in usage has had a positive impact on the community.

Meanwhile the Old Kirk will continue to be a monument to the ecclesiastical history of Stow thanks to two awards totalling £18,612 to the Parish of Stow Community Council.

The EDF Energy Renewables (EDF ER) Longpark Community Fund benefits community groups and local organisations in the Parish of Stow.

The fund, established by the company who own and operate nearby Longpark wind farm, is facilitated by Foundation Scotland.

The Parish of Stow also benefits from SSE's Toddleburn Wind Farm Community Fund, with beneficiaries including the Stow Pipe Band and Fountainhall Village Hall.

Decisions on awards from both funds are made by Parish of Stow Community Funds Panel, a group of local volunteers.

Tommy Miller, chair of the panel, is delighted with the continuing impact on community life.

He said: “These projects are a great example of how community benefit funds can make a real and lasting difference to the local community.

“To ensure this happens we would encourage local groups who are working within the community to apply to the EDF ER Longpark Community Fund and/or the SSE Toddleburn Fund.”

Foundation Scotland works with communities and developers, administering over £3million in community benefit payments annually.

Not-for-profit groups whose work benefits the parish can now apply for over £250 from either Fund.

The next deadline for applications will be in January.

More information is available from www.foundationscotland.org.uk