Community comes together to celebrate Glenkens & District Trust's seventh anniversary

Thursday 26th February saw over 75 people attend a celebration of seven years of community benefit funding from Glenkens & District Trust, in partnership with Foundation Scotland, with funds from Blackcraig and Windy Rig Wind Farms.

In this period, the fund has distributed over £1.5 million in grants, which has unlocked in excess of a further £3.25 million in investment into the area from other funders. From funding science workshops for schoolchildren to fixing roofs on village halls, helping local producers to find an outlet for their produce or awarding financial grants for Glenkens residents to help them gain work related qualifications, the fund has had a huge impact on the Glenkens & District communities and residents of all ages.

The celebration took place in Dalry Town Hall and almost fifty organisations were represented, joining members of the public and invited guests to learn about the 165 different projects that the fund has supported. Guest included Emma Harper MSP,  Rob Davidson of South of Scotland Enterprise, Francesca Vacca from the Scottish Government Community Benefit Unit and representatives of developers and Scottish Power Energy Networks.

Feedback was very positive: attendees stated that they were impressed at the breadth and variety of the projects, the desire across the Glenkens to work collectively and that the fact that these funds have made a difference for the whole community.  

There was unanimous agreement that it is important that decisions about funding are made by local people who know the area and its needs best.  Useful feedback about potential barriers for people or organisations applying to the fund was also received which we will take into account as part of our ongoing fund review.

If you missed the event display material from the day can be found by clicking on the image or on GDT’s website here.