Community groups in East Renfrewshire have received almost £200,000 in cash benefit from the renewable energy fund.

Income received from ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) for Whitelee and Middleton wind farms has been administered to the council, which will be put towards projects that have the potential to achieve substantial long term benefits for communities in the region.

This year, grants have been awarded to Williamwood Parish Church, Lodge St John Busby, Busby Community Council, Glasgow Hutchesons' Aloysians RFC, Eaglesgam Bowling Club, Mearns Bowling Club, Whitecraigs Lawn Tennis and Sports Club, Uplawmoor Development Trust, TREE (The Regeneration of Eaglesham's Environment), Young Enterprise Scotland and Age Concern Eastwood.

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The funding will allow groups to replace boilers, make upgrades to heating systems, improve disabled access, make repairs and enhancements to facilities, create a multi-use games area and purchase a minibus.

Cllr Alan Lafferty said: "It's fantastic to see so many community groups from across the authority benefitting from this year's fund. Grants have been awarded to a diverse range of projects - with everything from an upgrade to a children's play area to a new classroom/training facility included. Many of the projects have already kicked off and it's great to see the progress being made.

"I look forward to seeing all of the projects take shape over the coming year."

The fund will reopen for new applications this summer with grants awarded later in the year.

(LM/MH)