THE Western Islands Development Trust (WIDT) is currently inviting applications from community groups for funding for projects with a focus on alleviating fuel poverty and promoting renewable energy. To date it has invested almost £80,000 in grant payments to promote these objectives. Beneficiaries include: Cothrom Limited, South Uist; Kinloch Historical Society, Lewis; Western Isles Association for Mental Health, Stornoway; Back FC, Lewis; the West Harris Trust; and the Hebrides Energy Community Interest Company, Stornoway.
Chairman of the WIDT Angus Campbell said: ‘In relation to the particular challenges which we face in the Outer Hebrides to increase renewable and alternative energy production in our region and lower the level of fuel poverty which currently stands at a Scottish high of 71 per cent, we are pleased to invite applications from community groups with a particular focus on addressing fuel poverty and making the most of the fantastic renewable energy opportunities we have in our islands.
‘The WIDT is benefiting communities across the islands and this is a small though significant indication of the type of community benefit that can accrue from renewable projects once we get the interconnector in place and the larger scale projects get under way.’