A number of local projects and initiatives across Stornoway, from school groups to the Hebrides Mountain Rescue Service, will benefit from £20,000 of funding over the coming months.
Lewis Wind Power, a partnership between EDF Renewables UK and ESB and developer of Stornoway wind farm, opened it’s 2024 sponsorship fund for applications earlier this year.
In addition to continuing its long-standing support of HebCelt with a £7,500 donation for this year’s event, it has also confirmed support for 14 organisations which will benefit from a share of £12,500 following the latest funding round.
This includes part-funding for a number of initiatives, including the annual mainland trip for Cairdean Og Allt Nan Gall, a senior citizen’s group; contribution to the Western Isles Island Games Association preparation and training costs; an income maximisation officer for the Western Isles Citizens Advice Service; Stornoway Primary’s plant, grow and eat project and heated throw blankets for the Marybank and Maryhill Community Association.
Lewis Wind Power has supported the local community with this fund for a number of years and in 2023 groups such as Lewis Camanachd and Lochs Show received money.
Stornoway wind farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The project would generate enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.
Since 2003, Lewis Wind Power has worked closely with Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the project.
Darren Cuming of Lewis Wind Power commented: “We are delighted that so many local organisations and initiatives are benefitting from our 2024 sponsorship fund – from the heated throws to new life-saving equipment for the Hebrides Mountain Rescue, to the digital restoration of historic photographs; people right across the community of all ages will benefit from donations.
“This is in addition to the £7,500 support for HebCelt – a local festival which helps to celebrate traditional music, bringing people of all ages together and boosting the economy on Stornoway.”
A full list of awards is detailed below:
| Organisation Name | Project | Award |
| Marybank and Maryhill Community Association | Heated Throws (Blankets) | £1,000 |
| Stramash Stornoway | Stramash 2024 | £400 |
| Western Isles Community Care Forum | Respitality project to support unpaid carers | £1,000 |
| Western Isles Citizens Advice Service | Income Maximisation Officer | £1,000 |
| Cairdean Og Allt Nan Gall | Annual mainland trip | £1,000 |
| Stornoway Science Fair | 2024 Science Fair | £200 |
| Uig Community Centre Association | Childrens’ activities at Annual Gala Day | £450 |
| Volunteer Centre Western Isles | Generations – Working Together – Horticultural project with Stornoway Primary School | £400 |
| Hebrides Mountain Rescue | PPE and new lifesaving equipment | £1,000 |
| Back Football and Recreation club | New equipment for ‘Toddle In’ weekly parent and toddlers group | £450 |
| Stornoway Primary School | Stornoway Primary’s plant, grow and eat project | £1,000 |
| Western Isles Islands Games Association | WiGA International Games preparation and training costs | £2,500 |
| Urras Eaglais Na Haoidhe | The Gateway project – a new interpretation centre | £1,000 |
| Stornoway Historical Society | Angus Smith Photography digital restoration | £1,000 |
*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of ‘Digest of UK Energy Statistics’ – latest figures as per July 2022 release
