A number of organisations in Dunvegan have received a welcome funding boost from the community benefit paid out by the Ben Aketil windfarm.

The windfarm, which is operated by Falck Renewables and has been operational since January 2008, makes annual payments to the Dunvegan Community Trust. Community groups are then invited to apply to the trust for funding for specific projects and needs.

Local groups to benefit from the latest round of funding include the 10th Isle of Skye Brownies (Dunvegan) who applied for funding to cover some of the cost of going to a holiday camp for brownies near Aviemore.

Brownie leader Lorraine Taylor, explained “The Brownie Association is celebrating its centenary this year so we are taking 15 brownies from Dunvegan to Badaguish near Aviemore to take part in a camp in June.

“The funding provided by the Community Trust will help with transport and accommodation costs. All the girls are really excited about going to the camp where they will be taking part in outdoor activities like abseiling and meeting other brownies from all over Scotland.

“We are extremely grateful to the trust for awarding us the funding and to the windfarm developers for this initiative which is a great thing for local groups like ours.”

The Community Trust also awarded £900 to the Dunvegan Primary School Council to help build their website and £500 the Community Nursing Team to fund an exercise class for patients with long term conditions. The money will help pay for the hire of the hall and the community minibus.

Willie Murdo Mackinnon, Chairman of the Dunvegan Community Trust, said “We are delighted to have awarded funding to these local groups as all three play an important part in our community.

“Applications are considered every 3 months and each funding round is well publicised around the local area. If anybody has any further queries about the trust or how to apply, please contact me for more information or visit our website www.dunvegancommunitytrust.co.uk "

The trust was set up specifically to manage the community benefit on behalf of the local area. It is made up of 9 local members who consider applications for groups and individuals within the community.