Keeping those fingers crossed has worked, as has getting the early confirmation of the funding from the Council via the Community Development Fund! We have had confirmation of a further £9,500 from the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and £5,500 from the RobertsonTrust- bless em’! There will be further news at the public meeting on 11 March.

Well, we have done it! We now have confirmation that our application to the BIG lottery fund has been successful to the tune of £400,000 towards the capital cost of the project and £35,000 as Shapinsay’s contribution to the group project manager to be appointed in respect of the community owned turbine projects on Shapinsay, Stronsay, Rousay and Hoy. The grant towards the capital costs will mean that the project will require less commercial financing and so more of the income will be able to stay within the community. At this stage it would be very appropriate to acknowledge the support given by the Climate Challenge Fund in financing our Powerdown Officer whose input was crucial in finalising the application to the BIG lottery. To catch up on all the turbine news do come along to the public meeting on 11 March. For more details on the work of the BIG lottery fund please take a look at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk