A major windfarm developer has urged Cumnock and Doon Valley communities to work together to deliver change and make a real difference.

Delivering a keynote address to the inaugural 9CCG conference on building community wealth, Iain Cockburn, director of Brockwell Energy said: “I would urge everyone not just to look at the incredible opportunity this wall of money creates to deliver legacy change – but to look at the challenge of delivering this in practice.

The 9CC chief operating officer, Stephen McCarron, told delegates at the event in Cumnock that the group would be investing in two major strategic projects, with many others under active consideration.

He said: “I’m delighted to announce that the 9CC Group trustees have approved the funding and enablement of an Outdoor Activity and Recreation Centre as well as funding for up to 40 new and additional apprenticeships.”

His Royal Highness King Charles has sent a message of support for a special conference exploring strategies to make Cumnock and Doon Valley a better place to live, work, play and visit.

The King told the audience in Cumnock that he was well aware of the work of event organisers The 9CC Group and their potential impact improving the quality of life for residents and limitless opportunities, particularly for future generations.

Director of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities, University of Strathclyde, Matt Hannon, warned delegates at the inaugural 9CCG conference on Building Community Wealth from Strategic Collaboration that research highlights a ‘growing sense that climate action is failing to empower communities’.

Communities across Cumnock and Doon Valley were encouraged by the UK’s Energy Minister to invest in a better future and create long term benefits for everyone.

 Michael Shanks MP congratulated The 9CC Group on holding their inaugural conference to explore ideas to build a positive legacy for the former coal mining communities. He told more than 100 delegates in Cumnock it was inspiring seeing communities coming together to build something lasting.

The 9CC Group has announced the launch of the next round of community funding, with more than £350,000 to be invested across Cumnock and Doon Valley.

Speaking at an inaugural community benefit conference in Cumnock, Alex Baird, chair of The 9CC Group, said the funds are being provided by developers in advance of their regulatory obligations and wind turbines being fully operational.

He told more than 100 delegates: “That’s a commitment to our communities based on the strength of the relationship with the 9CC and their trust and confidence in us to deliver fairly and equitably for ALL our communities.

The annual festive celebration took place at Westminster Abbey and was attended by members of the Royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as many celebrities.

Georgette Fulton OBE said: “It was such a special day and I will treasure every moment. The service was heartwarming and I am so grateful to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran and The 9CC Group for helping me attend. When I arrived, I couldn’t believe I was sitting so close to Princess Kate. She is beautiful and her smiles light up the room.”

Creating a positive legacy for Cumnock & Doon Valley

A major conference is being held this month to explore strategies on how best to invest £150m of windfarm community benefit earmarked for Cumnock and Doon Valley.

It aims to provide a platform for key stakeholders to help shape the future of the former coal-mining communities as a place of choice to live, work, play and visit.

ALMOST 40 community groups and projects across Cumnock and the Doon Valley have benefitted from a £200,000 funding boost.

The windfall winners were announced following successful grant applications to the 9CC Group, which manages and administers community benefit from local wind farms.

Funding was provided by Invenergy, developers of the Pencloe site, for New Cumnock, Patna, Cumnock, Drongan, Rankinston and Stair and Lugar, Logan and Cronberry.

The biggest share - £31,508 - is going to organisations in New Cumnock.

APPRENTICES at a major Cumnock employer have been full of praise for the life-changing opportunities handed to them.

A group of young workers from Emergency One were speaking as it was announced that a record 150 people have applied to join a community funded apprenticeship scheme at the company.

The announcement was made as a cheque for £48,000 was handed over by the 9CC Group to help fund the £1.5 million initiative over four years for 20 trade apprentices.