Clyde Wind Farm powers communities to a bright 2026 thanks to £1.4 million funding boost

Communities across the south of Scotland are beginning the New Year on a positive note thanks to a fresh round of community funding from the region’s largest onshore wind farm, Clyde Wind Farm (Scotland) Ltd—a joint venture between SSE, Greencoat UK Wind Plc and GLIL Corporate Holdings Ltd. 

Through four local community funds and two regional Sustainable Development Funds, Clyde Wind Farm supports projects that enhance local services, improve amenities, and deliver long-term social and economic benefits. 

The latest funding round has awarded £1.4 million to 27 community projects across South Lanarkshire, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway. The investment will help local organisations strengthen skills, expand services, and build the infrastructure needed to support resilient and thriving communities, both now and into the future. 

In South Lanarkshire, the funding has played a pivotal role in forming a new consortium of six key anchor organisations: Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire, CCI, Healthy Valleys, Healthy and Active, Healthy and Happy, and Community Links. Working collectively, the consortium aims to strengthen community capacity by developing joint projects, sharing learning, and combining expertise. 

Wendy Johnstone, Development Lead (TSCOG) at Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire, said: 

“We’re excited to establish this new consortium and to identify unique collaborative opportunities that will strengthen each organisation, the wider group, and the broader Third Sector across South Lanarkshire. This initial investment from Clyde Wind Farm allows us to test our approach and share the impact and insights with key stakeholders. In times of financial change and challenge, keeping sustainability at the heart of our work is crucial, and this support helps us explore what that can look like.” 

In the Scottish Borders, £40,797 has been awarded to Scottish Borders College to expand its renewable energy and energy-efficiency training provision. The funding will provide new equipment that strengthens partnerships with local employers and supports skills development for growing green careers, including air-source heating installation.  

Greg Steel, Head of Sector for STEM and Sustainable Construction at Scottish Borders College said:  

“Borders College has received £40,797 in funding, empowering the college work closely with local employers to drive economic success and innovation across the region. This investment is enabling the purchase of cutting-edge equipment that will elevate the training opportunities in renewable energy and energy efficiency.  As a result, students will benefit from hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills, preparing them for high-growth careers, such as low carbon heating systems and supporting the region’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”  

In Dumfries and Galloway, Kirkconnel & Kelloholm Development Trust has secured £50,000 in initial funding for an innovative community housing project. The initiative aims to build five homes designed for older residents, enabling local people to remain within their community with the support they need. The homes will focus on reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing, and meeting identified local demand, with two-bedroom layouts suitable for a live-in carer or visiting family. 

Jim Cooper, Development Officer for Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Development Trust, said:  

"The substantial support we have received from SSE and Clyde Wind Farm, for which the Trust is extremely grateful, brings our project of affordable housing for the elderly a step closer to realisation. Revenue funding is extremely difficult to source and this award supports the Trust in fulfilling its commitment to providing appropriate, community-led, housing for the residents of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm.”  

This latest funding builds on the £20 million already invested in local communities by Clyde Wind Farm since 2012, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sharing value across the areas where the wind farm operates. 

Colin Millar, General Manager, at Clyde Wind Farm (Scotland) Ltd said: 

“Our commitment to sharing value with the communities surrounding Clyde Wind Farm remains strong. This latest round of funding supports 27 projects that will empower local groups, enhance essential services, and create long-term opportunities for people across the region. These initiatives reflect the ideas and priorities of the communities themselves, and we’re proud to help bring them to life. We’re excited to follow their progress throughout 2026 and to continue working in partnership with local organisations to ensure the benefits of renewable energy are felt where they matter most.”