Benbrack Wind Farm has marked its first year of generating renewable electricity, triggering the initial disbursements from its £10 million Sustainable Community Fund.

Red Rock Renewables has issued the first annual payments to the three community-led bodies that will administer the fund, kicking off a long-term programme of investment for communities in Dumfries & Galloway and East Ayrshire.

The milestone comes 12 months after the site was first energised. Its 15 turbines are expected to produce enough power for the equivalent of 60,000 homes across Scotland.

Around £10 million will be distributed over the wind farm's lifetime through Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Limited (CREFL), Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) and the 9CC Group. Together, these organisations cover 19 community council areas and approximately 34,000 residents, ensuring decisions about spending are taken locally and reflect community priorities near Benbrack.

The fund will back community-led projects that help local areas thrive, from initiatives that bring people together and strengthen connections to efforts supporting enterprise and a cleaner, renewable future. Those wishing to apply should contact the relevant organisation for details on eligibility, timelines and the application process.

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Head of Technical at Red Rock Renewables, Robbie Williamson, said: "We're delighted to mark the beginning of the Sustainable Community Fund's long-term investment Benbrack's communities. When we developed the Fund, it was important to us that local communities were at the heart of the decisions about how the monies be used. Working with CREFL, GDT and the 9CC Group means the investment can respond to local communities and support projects that make a meaningful difference. This is just the beginning of a commitment that will continue through Benbrack's lifetime, and we're excited to see what is achieved in the years ahead."

Benbrack Onshore Wind Farm lies roughly 6km south of Dalmellington and comprises 15 turbines with an installed capacity of 67MW. The £10m total fund is based on industry best practice of £5,000 per MW and a projected 30-year lifespan for the project.

Fiona Smith, Chair of Glenkens & District Trust, said: "These community benefit monies are important to our communities, and we thank Red Rock Renewables for putting in place these arrangements. These additional sums will enable us to support community groups and individuals across the Glenkens & District area – helping ideas grow and creating benefits for everyone."

Tom Wall, Chair of Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Limited, said: "We are pleased to welcome this first payment from Benbrack's Sustainable Community Fund. This additional funding will help us support projects that meet local needs and deliver lasting benefits for Carsphairn. For us, that means supporting local services and facilities, creating opportunities for education and employment, and helping community groups turn their plans into reality. Having a long term funding commitment gives us greater confidence to plan ahead, with local people shaping how the money is used."

Stephen McCarron, Chief Operating Officer of the 9CC Group, added: "This is a welcome boost for our communities and demonstrates Red Rock Renewables ongoing commitment to making a positive difference across Cumnock and Doon Valley. We look forward to working with them, not only on this initial £100,000 of funding, but on ensuring the strategic impact of £10m invested over the lifetime of Benbrack Wind Farm delivers an even better place to live, work, play and visit."