Eight community organisations in Prestonpans and Cockenzie & Port Seton have been awarded grants by the Inch Cape Construction Fund to support local initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people living in the area.

The first round of grants from the offshore wind farm’s fund totals £13,300 and supports a range of initiatives from improving local people’s employability and giving youngsters the chance to spend time in nature, to an annual gala day and encouraging physical activity through cricket and gymnastics.

Managed by Foundation Scotland, the Inch Cape Construction Fund supports community projects that help tackle the effects of poverty and inequality, improve the environment or supporting sustainability within the Prestonpans or Cockenzie & Port Seton community council areas.

Applications for grants of up to £2000 are considered on a rolling basis so eligible groups can apply at any time.

The full list of organisations, initiatives and grant amounts awarded in this first round can be found listed below and on Inch Cape’s Grants Awarded website page.

Electricity generated by the offshore wind farm, to be located 15 kilometres from the Angus coastline, will be brought to shore in East Lothian at a new substation being constructed on the site of the former coal-fired Cockenzie Power Station.

ICOL, owner of Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm, is an equal joint venture between Edinburgh-based renewable and sustainable energy company, Red Rock Power Limited and Ireland’s leading energy company, ESB.

Full list of first round grants:

• Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council (£2,000) to contribute towards the cost of replacing five flagpoles on Port Seton Promenade.
• Waggon Way Explorer Scout Unit (£1,500) to purchase new camping equipment to allow local Explorer Scouts to engage in regular camping trips, fostering a deeper connection with nature and providing them with life skills.
• Cockenzie Out of School Care (£2000) to contribute towards the costs of outdoor play equipment, including ‘loose parts’ play items for children aged five to 12 years.
• Tranent & Preston Village Cricket Club (£1000) to contribute towards the costs of supporting an additional cricket team, allowing more community members to participate in the sport locally.
• Saltire Team Gymnastics (£2,000) to contribute towards the purchase of equipment for the new toddler and pre-school gymnastics classes.
• Longniddry and District Gala Committee (£820) to contribute towards the cost of marquee hire for the Longniddry and District Gala 2024.
• Retrain Scotland (£2,000) to contribute towards rent and core costs associated with supporting trainees to develop practical skills and improve employability.
• Prestonpans Community Council (£2,000) to contribute towards the costs of installing lights on the Prestonpans living Christmas tree to encourage community spirit during the festive season.

Young scouts will have more opportunity to spend time in nature thanks to an Inch Cape grant for new camping equipment awarded to the Waggon Way Explorer Scout Unit – one of eight East Lothian community groups benefitting from the first round of Inch Cape Construction Fund awards.