Green funding boost for Scotland’s highest golf course
A volunteer run club in Scotland is to receive almost £100,000 in funding from renewable energy and sustainability grants.
Leadhills Golf Club in Lanarkshire is Scotland’s highest golf course, located 1500 feet above sea level in the Lowther Hills.
The nine-hole course has 43 members and runs on a non-profit footing for the benefit of the local community.
The club has been awarded £48,768 from Greencoat Capital Andershaw Windfarm, a contributor to South Lanarkshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF).
Clyde Wind Farm, a 522-megawatt facility in Lanarkshire, will match the remainder of the funding.
The funds will allow the club to invest in cleaner, greener maintenance machinery as well as a new clubhouse, gym and leisure facilities to benefit the local community.
Andrew Wright, volunteer at Leadhills Golf Club, said the club will use the funds to buy two ride-on mowers, a walk behind mower and a trailer to transport tools and equipment.
The new equipment will help volunteers improve playing conditions, protect and enhance the natural environment and maintain the course more sustainably. Its long-term goal is to attract more visitors, increase tourism and benefit the local economy.
This local government Renewable Energy Fund (REF) is supported by 39 windfarms which contribute around £900,000 of funding annually to community projects in South Lanarkshire.
Speaking to the Daily Record, local councillor Robert Brown, said: “This significant funding from the REF will enable the success of the club to continue, attracting new members and visitors for the development of the whole village, encouraging a prosperous community.
The club endeavours to improve the vitality of Leadhills and the rural villages surrounding it. It works well with the primary school to encourage younger residents to enjoy the game of golf.”