A number of community projects across the Highlands have been given £1m from a charity that is funded by onshore wind farms.

The SSE's Sustainable Development Fund aims to help charity and non-profit organisations across the Highlands. According to reports, more than 100 applications were submitted to the fund. 29 grants were awarded, and were decided by an independent panel.

Some of the projects set to benefit, include:


• Scottish Canals (£225,000) – To redevelop the visitor centre in Fort Augustus.

• Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (£43,330) – To go towards new renewable housing.

• Knoydart (£75,000) – To upgrade an off-grid hydro-electric power scheme.

Lord Jack McConnell, Chairman of the SSE Sustainable Development Fund, welcomed the news, saying: "At the launch of the fund, we asked for project ideas that were both sustainable in their outcomes and genuinely transformational to the local area.

"From the tip of Caithness to the sound of Mull, the successful awards will create jobs, revitalise open spaces and strengthen communities.

"I look forward to seeing the benefit this round of funding will bring to the Highlands and to reviewing an equally high standard of applications when the fund reopens in late 2015."

(JP/IT)