SALMOND & THOMSON WELCOME BIG LOTTERY BOOST FOR UDNY

MSP for Gordon, Alex Salmond, and SNP Gordon Westminster Candidate Richard Thomson, have today welcomed the news that the Udny Community Trust is to be awarded £269,000 in Growing Community Assets Grants from the Big Lottery Fund.

Growing Community Assets Grants are intended to help communities obtain and develop assets that will help them grow stronger and more sustainable. Udny Community Trust aims to build up a community fund worth £2 million over the next 20 years through their ‘Community Wind Turbine’ project.

This three-year project will enable the community to purchase and operate an 800kW wind turbine that will generate an independent income for the community. This two-year grant will part fund the capital cost of acquisition and construction of an 800kW Enercon E-48 wind turbine.

This will generate renewable electricity that will be sold to the National Grid through a long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and will part fund the cost of project management support.

Congratulating Garth Entwistle, Udny Community Trust Chairman, on this funding boost, Mr Salmond said:

“I am delighted that the Big Lottery Fund has awarded this very generous grant, which will benefit hundreds of people.

“This project will provide a fantastic boost to the community. With climate change an ever increasing threat to our planet, it’s fantastic to see communities doing their bit to utilise renewable energy and help in the fight against global warming.

“I’m sure everyone in Udny will soon be appreciating the many environmental, educational and financial benefits this project will bring."

Mr Thomson added:

“This is a very worthwhile and far sighted project, which will have a positive impact on the community for years to come.

"The funding will not only bring about the construction of the wind turbine, it’ll also help toward raising awareness of environmental issues in the community, and helping local residents find out how they can be as energy efficient as possible.

“I offer my congratulations to Garth Entwhistle and the Udny Community Trust, and wish them all the very best with the next phase of their project.”