Exciting news for Caithness! An offshore wind developer is funding local projects, enhancing community life and supporting various initiatives.
They’ve been supporting everything from a community bus to summer concerts and even a coastal walking route. Allan Tait, the community engagement manager at Thistle Wind Partners, mentioned they’re all about making a positive impact in the areas where they operate.
TWP is behind the Ayre wind farm, located about 57km northeast of Caithness, and the Bowdun project, which is around 44km from Aberdeenshire. Over the past year, they’ve donated more than £30,500 to local initiatives.
One of the highlights was a £3500 donation to the Moray Firth Radio Mission Christmas appeal, helping kids in poverty in Caithness and Orkney. Plus, Caithness Rural Transport got £2500 for a community electric bus, which is pretty cool.
Keiss village hall received £2000 for a new range cooker, and the John O’Groats Trail got £1000 to improve access along the coastal route. TWP also sponsored the electric bus and gave £6000 to Lyth Arts Centre for their Summer Sessions in Wick.
Caithness Rugby Football Club received £400 for the Come Ashore Cup charity event, and Keiss Primary School got £750 for new equipment. Allan Tait, who’s from Wick, expressed excitement about building relationships in the community and making a sustainable impact.
Looking ahead, TWP has plans for 2024 that include information days and events focused on promoting STEM skills. Ian Taylor, the project director, emphasized the importance of science and technology in their work and how they’re engaging with young people to develop these skills.
In total, they reached around 5700 people through various STEM activities, including science festivals and school visits across Orkney, Aberdeen, Caithness, Inverness, and Edinburgh. The Ayre offshore wind farm is set to be a significant project, located 22km east of Orkney, and they’re also working on improving access on the John O’Groats Trail.
