Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is one of several organisations to benefit from money provided by a windfarm fund.
A total of nine projects received £130,858 from the SSE Griffin and Calliachar windfarm community fund. Successful applications included a £60,000 donation to SCAA towards its vital service.
From its base at Perth Airport, the charity’s specially-equipped aircraft has attended more than 250 emergency callouts, including many lifesaving missions in the Perthshire area.
SCAA head of fundraising Sally Cameron said the donation was “a marvellous boost” for the charity.
“Our lifesaving service is here to respond to all emergencies, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas of Scotland where our helicopter can assist time-critical emergencies, and we are hugely grateful for the fund’s support,” she said.
On a smaller scale, an £8,500 grant was given to the South Loch Tay First Responders’ Group to buy lifesaving equipment.
The award will extend the reach of the group, which is backed by the Scottish Ambulance Service, across the Kenmore area and will see community defibrillators installed at the Ardeonaig and Kenmore Hotels, the Courtyard in Kenmore and Highland Safaris near Dull.
In other awards, Breadalbane Canoe Club received £29,500 towards new equipment, £15,000 was granted for the resurfacing of Amulree Village Hall car park and funding of £4,318 was allocated to a school leaver employability programme at Breadalbane Academy.
Helen Doig, of the Perth and Kinross Business Community Support Group, which runs the employability programme, said: “Over the last three years, pupils from Breadalbane Academy have successfully completed their SQA awards and have increased their skills and awareness.
“Feedback from participants has confirmed that the pupils who have benefited have been at risk of long-term unemployment.
“By attending this programme and gaining a positive destination, they are now able to contribute to the local community and economy.”
The windfarm fund, provided by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), has an annual value of approximately £400,000 for community and charitable projects in Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, Dunkeld and Birnam, Kenmore and District and Mid Atholl, Strathtay and Grandtully.
Over the 25-year lifespan of the two windfarms, at least £15 million will be invested in the area. Decisions on how the money is allocated are made by an independent panel of local people.
The closing date for applications for the autumn 2014 funding round is June 27.