Community groups across East Renfrewshire will benefit from a new fund set up from the development of Europe's largest onshore wind farm.

The Whitelee fund, which will last for the lifetime of the windfarm, will deliver £140,000 for community groups, activities and initiatives in its first year. There will be similar sums each year over the next 25 years.

The annual sum is paid by Scottish Power Renewables to East Renfrewshire Council. The fund is then made available in the form of grants to community groups and organisations for projects that can demonstrate community benefits.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I welcome the launch of the Whitelee Wind Farm Fund, a project that will empower communities to join the fight against climate change and support local economic growth.

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"Scotland's wealth of natural resources gives us the potential to be one of the leading nations in managing our environmental impact. Renewable energy represents an unparalleled opportunity to boost our economy and enhance our environment for decades to come.

"The Whitelee wind farm has been rightly recognised for the excellent work done for both the environment and local community, recently being named overall winner at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning."

Councillor Alistair Carmichael, said:"As well as environmental benefits, having Europe's largest onshore widnfarm on our doorstep will give our communities financial support over the next 25 years. Though the fund is available across East Renfrewshire, projects from the areas closest to the windfarm, in Eaglesham and Waterfoot, will be given priority.

"Projects that could receive support should show a benefit to the community and could include sustainable energy initiatives, environmental improvements, community events, infrastructure improvements, tourism and leisure activities.

"We're interested in hearing from projects developed entirely by community groups or they can work with other organisations, including the council, to deliver projects in partnership."

Applications to the Whitelee wind farm fund will be considered by a panel made up of a local councillor, representatives from Eaglesham and Waterfoot community council and East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and officers from roads planning and transportation.

(GK/BMcC)