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.

Community projects across Cumnock and the Doon Valley are set to benefit from a £200,000 windfall.

Community groups and projects in New Cumnock, Patna, Cumnock, Drongan, Rankinston & Stair and Lugar, Logan and Cronberry are eligible to apply for grants with the biggest share going to New Cumnock which is closest to the development.

A pioneering £1.5 million investment will see a second group of apprentices join Cumnock based group Emergency One, the UK’s leading manufacturer of specialist fire and rescue service appliances.

Recruitment will shortly begin for a further 11 Cumnock & Doon Valley residents to join the firm as part of community funded apprenticeships.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has now been signed between REG Greenburn Limited and a local community Trust that will deliver an annual community benefit fund of up to £315,000 per year.

Have Your Say

Uniting our Communities – Investing in their Future

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