Seventeen community groups in Dumfries and Galloway have been successful in receiving a share of £20,000 from EDF power solutions UK’s Stranoch wind farm sponsorship fund.
EDF power solution UK’s annual fund for the wind farm supports small-scale grants for projects that make a positive difference to local people, particularly those living in and around the communities closest to the Stranoch development, located between New Luce and Barrhill.
Through the latest funding round people of all ages across the area will benefit from a range of events, community meet-ups and programmes of engagement.
Amongst the recipients are a summer pony camp in Stranraer which will open up avenues for young people to attend; a local Wigtownshire group for people with disabilities and additional support needs to promote its services and expand its reach; as well as grants to several groups to cover costs of events for demographics such as the elderly and those experiencing social isolation.
In addition, monies have also been awarded to assist with Galloway Mountain Rescue Team’s vehicle refurbishment to improve the technology on board; providing PPE to Stranraer-based charity Galloway Action Team for volunteers to be seen and safe while working in the community; providing free tickets for young people to attend a fully-stage opera through Absolute Classics and providing a trauma-trained doctor for a Dumfries and Galloway horse event in June.
Eligible groups were encouraged to apply for grants that aim to strengthen community wellbeing, improve local facilities or support environmental and educational initiatives.
The Sponsorship Fund forms part of EDF power solutions UK’s commitment to working closely with residents and community organisations while construction continues at the 20-turbine, 102MW Stranoch Wind Farm. In December, major component deliveries were completed to the site, with installation of turbines due to commence in the coming months.
The IT Centre in Castle Douglas received funding from last year’s sponsorship fund towards its Increasing Digital Inclusion project. This enabled 132 devices to be processed within one year, refurbishing and distributing 106 devices to families, individuals and organisations locally; with a further 26 devices responsibly recycled.
A spokesperson from Castle Douglas IT Centre said: “The support from EDF power solutions’ Stranoch wind farm has been invaluable in helping us tackle digital exclusion and promote sustainability. Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to refurbish devices, support local families and individuals and create opportunities for young people to develop skills for the future.”
Yusuf Patel, Chief Technical Officer at EDF power solutions UK, said: “There are so many groups across Dumfries and Galloway making a real difference to people’s lives. From tackling social isolation, enhancing opportunities for young people to providing events for those suffering from fuel poverty, it’s been rewarding to see the positive impact that small-scale grants through the Stranoch wind farm sponsorship fund can make in an area such as this.
“We look forward to seeing and hearing about how the money is used by these groups over the coming 12 months and wish them all the best with their events and initiatives.”
Ends
Award recipients are as follows:
| Organisation | Event/Project | Amount |
| Wigtownshire and Stewartry Partnership | Promoting Wigtownshire Stuff | £1,470 |
| Creative Stranraer | Community Through Creativity – delivery of a programme of youth events and engagement activities | £2,250 |
| Crichton Hale and Hearty Club | Combating elderly isolation and improving health – events programme for members | £2,200 |
| Kirkpatrick Durham Recreation Association | The Wee Gym – towards building works and gym equipment | £650 |
| Springholm Memorial Hall | Caraidean Springholm: A warm space for every generation – towards activities, gardening supplies, refreshments and soft furnishings | £1,300 |
| Isles Future | Wee Buddies – Isle Be There For You. Aims to support those in social isolation and mental health issues within the community. Wee Buddies targets young families. | £2,000 |
| Better Lives Partnership | A Sense of Belonging – support young people with autism or additional needs to plan and organise their own events. Covering refreshments and venue hire for events | £800 |
| Galloway Mountain Rescue | Search and Rescue Control Vehicle Refurbishment – towards new monitors, electrical works for satellite and radio communications | £1,000 |
| Galloway Action Team | Be Safe! Be Seen! Equipping young volunteers with uniforms and PPE to allow them to feel part of the organisation and be seen and safe while working within the community | £500 |
| Number 12 Port William | Community Hub arts and craft club – materials and refreshments | £300 |
| Hardgate Primary School | Enhancing Digital Learning through essential ICT equipment – costs to buy three ipads to improve digital learning | £929.32 |
| Newton Stewart Initiative | Meet for Heat – providing free lunches and refreshments for those struggling with food poverty and money towards events and venue hire for community projects such as crafting sessions | £2,000 |
| Absolute Classics | Opera in our Community – contribution to event organisation to provide free tickets for young people under 26 to experience fully staged opera with an orchestra in the area, widening their learning and experiences | £1,000 |
| Wigtownshire Sports Council | Wigtownshire Sports Personality Awards 2026 – contribution to event hire and event organisation, including engraving of trophies and medals and refreshments | £1,300 |
| Stranraer and District Riding Club | Summer Camp 2026 – subsidising cost for Stage 4 coaches to improve riding skills and knowledge allowing more people to take part by reducing cost per person | £500 |
| Gatehouse Riding of the Marches | 2026 event – through hiring additional ponies/horses to subsidise riding for under 16s and enable more young people to enjoy the experience | £600 |
| South of Scotland Horse Trials 2026 | Covering the medical costs of a trauma trained doctor of the two days of the event. | £1,200 |
