To empower and enrich our community by providing financial support to local projects that enhance quality of life, preserve our heritage, and foster sustainable development.
We value transparency, sustainability, community impact, and collaboration. We strive to be open, responsible, and supportive of projects that enhance local lives.
This project aimed to refurbish and repair a number of local amenities in our local area, including two local bus shelters, railings, benches, cutting back shrubbery and renewal of signs.
The project allowed older residents from the Westruther community to share their memories and experiences with Primary 4 to 7 pupils from the primary school.
Since 1990, our befriending projects have supported children (8+), young people, and adults with learning disabilities—reducing isolation, boosting wellbeing, and giving respite to family carers.
Since 2015, this community-led project has transformed Duns with vibrant planting across 23 sustainable beds and countless planters. Their electric watering vehicle, “Billy Bowser,” is essential to the upkeep—and thanks to 100% funding from BWCF, new batteries were installed in 2023 to keep everything growing strong.
Achievements The grant of £2,750 has helped us in the following ways:
With support from BWCF, we collaborated with Dunse History Society and Duns & District Business Forum to create a printed and digital tourism map celebrating the town’s rich history. Despite challenges, including post-Covid delays and team changes, the project brought together over 100 local contributors and now forms part of a refreshed Town Trail, helping visitors explore Duns in a meaningful and engaging way.
With support from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, the community of Gordon proudly purchased the Gordon Sports Field in February 2023. This new community-owned space is already taking shape, with fencing installed by local volunteers and plans underway to develop it into a vibrant hub for sport and recreation.
Thanks to a £4,000 grant from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, ESR planted native woodland trees and installed fencing to protect them from curious hooves. Young people and adults engaged in hands-on planting sessions, gaining skills and confidence outdoors. The project not only inspired individual growth and future ambitions but also supported biodiversity, creating habitats and natural barriers for years to come.
With support from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, Reston JAC member Lauren travelled to Canada as part of an international exchange. A highlight of her trip was visiting Richmond Ranch, home to Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cattle. “I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back one day,” she shared. “Thank you for helping make this incredible experience possible.”
DunsPlayFest 2022 returned with a hybrid festival—live performances at the Volunteer Hall and a curated online programme available for weeks afterward. With support from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, a young filmmaker captured the live shows for digital audiences, and A Heart for Duns received funding for a sign-board for the visually impaired—ensuring accessibility remains at the heart of the festival’s vision.
Formerly known as the EBGR project, the Borders Greenway is progressing thanks to vital early support from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund. The grant helped establish a well-supported Community Consultation Group and Steering Group, contributing to a full feasibility study commissioned by South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council. Covering the proposed route from Melrose to Eyemouth, the project is now poised to become a major active travel initiative for the region.
With a £3,243 grant from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, ParentSpace delivered 91 one-to-one support sessions—exceeding expectations. Sessions were held in-home or by phone, providing flexible support for families across the region. The grant also funded training for two new facilitators, helping expand services, including a new Dads-only course and more planned for the year ahead.
Thanks to support from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, Gavinton Village Hall is now equipped with a generator to provide emergency power during outages. The generator is fully insured and maintained, with local volunteers receiving regular refresher training. The project has inspired similar setups in neighbouring communities, strengthening local resilience across the area.
With a £920 grant from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, the front of the hall has been transformed with new plants, decorative features, and twinkling lights—making the space more welcoming year-round. All materials were sourced locally, supporting small businesses, and thoughtful touches like bubble wrap insulation help protect the plants through winter. Trustees and the community are delighted with the results.
Held in April 2022 at Duns Castle and the Volunteer Hall, the Robert Hay Seminar brought together international scholars and local audiences to explore the life and legacy of Scottish Egyptologist Robert Hay. With support from the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund, the event featured keynote talks, exhibitions, and cultural activities, while also raising funds for the Red Cross. A truly memorable and collaborative event highlighting Duns’ rich historical ties to Egyptology.
