Now in its second year, the MachairWind Small Donations Fund supports local initiatives focused on education, training and research; social projects; arts and culture; and biodiversity and climate action.

Set up in direct response to community feedback, the inaugural round backed 21 projects across the islands.

The programme has already helped a wide range of activities — from music initiatives on Mull to the Jura drama group JamDram — providing grassroots groups with a timely financial lift.

Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables' MachairWind Development Lead, said: "It's great to open the MachairWind Small Donations Fund for our next round of applications after a successful first year supporting a diverse range of local initiatives. From fun family events to potentially lifesaving projects, we know that every penny matters and our donations have made a difference. We're proud to build on this for year two and look forward to seeing the applications come in.

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"The Small Donations Fund is only a taster of what's to come as a dedicated community benefit fund – shaped by local people for local people – will be created if MachairWind is consented and moves into construction. Lasting for the lifetime of the project, this will bring bigger and longer-lasting benefits to the islands."

Among last year's recipients, the Islay and Jura Dolphins Swimming Club received £500 towards costs for the Dolphins Championships — the club's first off-island trip. The volunteer-run club, which has supported its island communities for more than 34 years, now helps 62 swimmers aged 7 to 77, most of whom are under 18, promoting health, fitness and water safety.

Jura Amateur Dramatics Society (JamDram) was awarded £500 towards a portable stage to make future productions easier and to support other events across Jura and Islay. Formed in 2022, the group offers opportunities in acting, stagecraft and event organisation.

Colonsay Community Council secured £500 for its Marine Litter Clearance Project, which mobilises volunteers to patrol and clean the island's 50 miles of coastline as well as roadsides, paths and lochsides. The grant funded heavy-duty bags and campaign publicity.

The Ross of Mull and Iona Community Transport Scheme received £500 for vehicle maintenance. The scheme reduces social and geographic isolation by providing transport for medical appointments, shopping and social events, with the award contributing to new tyres for its electric vehicle.

Applications for the latest round are open until 11.59pm on Friday 9 October.

If consented, MachairWind could deliver up to 2GW of homegrown clean energy, strengthening the UK's energy security while bringing investment, jobs and opportunities to the west coast of Scotland and beyond.

For full details and how to apply, visit the Small Donations Fund page on the MachairWind website.