Keith community projects secure thousands of pounds in funding in push to go green
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
TWO community projects in Keith have secured thousands of pounds in funding to help them become more energy efficient.
Keith Greener Grid Park, which is developed and operated by renewable energy company Statkraft, delivers funding of £20,000 each year.
The fund aims to support environmental projects in the local area such as energy efficiency audits of community buildings, educational activities, training for voluntary groups in reducing their own carbon footprints, and EV charging points.
The first successful project this year is Keith and District Men’s Shed, which was awarded a grant to support the purchase of a new solar panel and battery storage, ensuring the group can generate, store, and use its own clean energy.
The second award was made to Longmore Community Hall in Keith, which has received funding toward the replacement of emergency lighting throughout the hall.
Stewart Cree, Treasurer of Keith and District Men’s Shed, said: “We are extremely grateful to all the funders who have helped us to reach this point in the development of the Keith and District Men’s Shed.
"Stage one, the conversion of the former sports pavilion at Seafield Park, is nearing completion and our focus is now on ensuring long-term sustainability.
“The Statkraft grant will allow us to install a solar energy system which will greatly reduce the cost of operating the shed in future years.
"It will also help lessen our reliance on fossil fuels, something which I know reflects the aims and values of Statkraft and will contribute to a more sustainable future."
Rhona Patterson, Longmore Community Hall chairwoman, added: "The funding will allow us to make the emergency lighting and the rest of the lighting LED.
"We've been gradually upgrading it since we took on the hall from the council in 2018.
"It's already gone through extensive work but any funding we can source we are very grateful for.
"This is the latest funding we've received but we're grateful for it all because without it we wouldn't be able to achieve what we have."
The two successful groups applied through a competitive application process administered by the independent grant-making charity GrantScape.
Steve Hickin, secretary of Keith Community Council, said: “We have been pleased to work closely with Statkraft and GrantScape in establishing this community benefit fund and ensuring that worthwhile local projects are supported.
"We commend Statkraft on their good neighbour approach and look forward to seeing more benefits coming to the area."
Statkraft’s Keith Greener Grid Park was launched in March 2022 and will be instrumental in meeting the target of a fossil fuel-free grid by 2025.
Guy Nicholson, Statkraft’s Head of Greener Grid Parks, said: “I’m delighted that the community fund associated with our innovative Keith Greener Grid Park has made its first awards.
"It’s only right that as well as bringing wider benefits, like a stable electricity system, and allowing more renewables to be connected to the national grid, our projects benefit local people too."
