A CHARITABLE trust set up to share out community cash from a wind farm was launched last week.

The Dalry Parish Boundary Trust will oversee the allocation of £120,000 of voluntary benefits paid by wind farm operator Community Windpower to community projects to ‘promote, advance and further charitable purposes’.

To date, several local projects have already been given a boost by CWP community benefits including £1,000 to Garnock Valley Canoe Club, £2,000 to Dalry Farmers’ Society and £650 to Dalry Community Association.

The trust’s committee is chaired by Robert Barr, with John Smith appointed as secretary.

Also on the committee are Douglas Martin (Treasurer), Emily Shedden, Jaqui Mack and Audrey Mason. Community Wind Power directors Rob Fryer, Gillian Cropper and Diane Woods also sit on the committee.

£30,000 of funds will be allocated quarterly for charitable purposes meeting the following criteria: - the advancement of citizenship or community development - the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science  - the advancement of public participation in sport - the provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities - the advancement of environmental protection or improvement.

Funds cannot be used for political or religious purposes or entertainment or hospitality.

Speaking to the Herald, Gillian Cropper, Associate Director at Community Windpower, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Robert Barr and the elected committee to set up and launch the Dalry Parish Boundary Trust.

“The trust receives community benefit funding from the company’s Millour Hill Community Wind Farm located in the hills above Dalry.

“Based on £5,000 per MW, the Trust will receive annual funding of £90,000 per annum and the first instalment of £30,000 was recently transferred.

“Once the two turbine Millour Hill Extension is complete and commissioned, the annual amount delivered to the DPBT will increase to over £120,000 per annum.

“Application forms for funding can be obtained by visiting the DPBT website at dpbt.org.uk or in person from the BeGreen Energy Advice Centre in Dalry.