A £22,605 award from SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund, supported by Scottish Government CARES match funding, is enabling Birgham Village Hall in the Scottish Borders to install solar panels, battery storage and a modern air-to-air heating system with a dehumidifier to lower bills and emissions.

Residents in Birgham are celebrating a fresh chapter for their much-loved hall, with the investment set to safeguard the building's future and support local activities for generations to come.

For decades, the venue has been a focal point for village life, hosting meetings, social events, pop-up art shows, film nights and fitness classes, offering a welcoming space for neighbours to connect and stay active.

Backed by the Transmission Net Zero Fund and additional match funding from the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), total grants of more than £37,000 have delivered the installation of solar panels, a new battery storage system, and an air-to-air heating system plus dehumidifier.

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The upgrades will help to shrink the hall's carbon footprint and reduce energy costs, supporting a more environmentally friendly and financially sustainable future for the historic building.

Graham Campbell, Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "Community spaces like Birgham Village Hall are incredibly important. They bring people together, support wellbeing and help rural communities thrive.

"Through our Transmission Net Zero Fund we're proud to support projects that not only reduce carbon emissions, but also help secure the future of places that matter to local people. Seeing renewable energy technology installed here means this much-loved hall can continue serving the community while playing its part in the transition to a greener future."

Bill Burgess, Trustee and Project Manager, Birgham Village Hall said: "Our village hall is more than just a building. It's a community hub where friendships are made and where people come to feel part of their community.

"The rising cost of electricity for heating is a real concern for us, so receiving this funding has been transformational. By installing solar panels, battery storage and modern air-to-air source heating, we're not only reducing our running costs, but also ensuring this historic space can continue to support the mental and physical wellbeing of residents for many years to come."

The hall serves a wide range of local groups, including the popular "Wishful Shrinkers" fitness class, a weekly session that blends gentle exercise with laughter and companionship.

One regular attendee, 91-year-old Barbara says the hall plays an important role in her life.

"It keeps me moving and it keeps me smiling," she said. "I come to the Wishful Shrinkers class every week and it's wonderful. We have a good stretch, a good chat and plenty of laughs. The hall means a lot to all of us. It's where we see our friends and feel part of something. Knowing it's being looked after for the future is just lovely."