A number of community-led projects in Caithness and Sutherland are to benefit from a share of more than £86,000 in funding.

The initiatives are the first to benefit from SSE's Strathy North wind farm fund. The grants will allow projects, worth more than £160,000, to progress over the coming months.

Over the next 25 years, the Strathy North community investment fund will pay out £170,000 annually to charity and not-for-profit groups, with the decisions on successful projects being made by a local panel.

Among the initiatives benefiting from the funding are:

• Farr Primary School Parent Council. A total of £23,000 will go towards the installation of a multi-use games area, to be located on the site of an existing run down tennis court.

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• North Coast Leisure. It has been awarded £15,000 to fund swimming lessons and health sessions within the local community.

• The Bettyhill Gala Committee. More than £6,000 has been awarded to the committee to purchase a new marquee for this year's event.

• Armadale clay pigeon club. More than £21,000 was granted to the group to improve the variety of clay pigeon shooting available for locals and visitors.

• The Halladale Film Club. More than £6,000 will be invested to purchase film and sound equipment for the Halladale Hall.

• Strathnaver Public Hall. Almost £8,000 will be used to refurbish their kitchen, as well as replace external doors which will allow the hall to hold local events again.

Welcoming the investments, Linda Munro, North, West and Central Sutherland Councillor, said: "The Strathy North fund is a real boon to the local communities – what an absolutely fabulous way to start the new year: funding in place and ready to roll out your new project.

"I understand that initial uptake has been limited in this first round but I believe the fund will support a wide range of community projects once folks see how easy it is to apply."

The deadline for the second round of applications is 28 February 2015.

(JP/MH)