The new SSE Perthshire Sustainable Development Fund has been launched and the energy provider is encourage the local community to get involved with the initiative.

The fund has been made available as part of the community benefit arrangement from SSE's onshore wind farms situated in the area. Expected to open every three years, the scheme will support more than £2m in funding over its lifetime.

Those who can apply for a share of the funding include non-profit making organisations, community groups and charities within the Perth and Kinross area, while those who will be given preference will be the projects that will benefit the Highlands and East Perthshire.

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For this first round of funding, SSE has said a pot of £250,000 is available and applications of £10,000 or more will be accepted. Successful projects will not only have the potential to help transform the local community, but also be able to increase job opportunities, enable communities to develop renewable energy schemes or enhance Scotland's natural and built environment.

Lord Jack McConnell, Chair of the Fund panel said: "The Sustainable Development Fund represents a golden opportunity for communities to kick-start a transformational project in their local area.

"Building on the success of the fund elsewhere in Scotland, we are determined to support community initiatives across Perthshire that have a real and lasting impact – be it through the creation of jobs, enhancement of local facilities or by building sustainable energy solutions.

"I look forward to judging some exciting and ambitious projects and I'd urge anyone who has a big idea for their community to apply now."

For more information regarding the fund, visit the SSE website.

The deadline for applications is 30 January 2015, with funding decisions being made public in April.

(JP/MH)