A limited company is being set up to administer a fund which is set to benefit local communities from the windfarm development at Hadyard Hill, near Old Dailly.

South Ayrshire Council's Policy and Resources Convener and Vice-Convener's Sub Committee has been told that the terms of a Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company have been prepared by the Council, and agreed with the community councils of Dailly, Barr and Pinwherry and Pinmore.

The move follows the setting up by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE Generation Ltd) of a community fund which could benefit by up to £120,000 per annum.

Following meetings involving the community councils and representatives of the Council, it had been agreed that the most appropriate mechanism for administering the fund would be the setting up of a company limited by guarantee, with the directors of the company comprising two representatives of each of the three community councils, together with a representative of SSE and two Council representatives.

The Policy and Resources Convener and Vice-Convener's Sub Committee decided to appoint the Convener of the Council's Rural Communities Committee, Councillor Hywel Davies and Nick Larkin, the Council's Head of Enterprise and Development as the Council's representatives to the Board of the new company.

Commenting on the news, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Gibson T. Macdonald, said: "The community funds resulting from the Hadyard Hill development have the potential to make a hugely beneficial impact to small and remote communities across southern Carrick, and present an exciting opportunity for local people to boost the quality and range of facilities in Dailly, Barr, Pinwherry and Pinmore.

"Millions of pounds of funds will be paid out by Scottish and Southern Energy through initial lump sums and thereafter yearly instalments over a period of at least 25 years, and we are keen to see the process of community investment begin at the earliest possible date."

Councillor Macdonald went on to emphasise that it would be a matter entirely for local communities to decide as to how the fund is spent. He said: "While the Council will assist in the administration of the fund, it will be a matter entirely for each local community as to how they believe the money might best be spent in their areas. Local people are best placed to know the needs of their communities and we are entirely confident that the funds will be used to good effect in improving the quality of life for families across southern Carrick.

January 2006