A number of local projects and initiatives across the Western Isles are set to benefit from a share of a £12,500 funding pot, thanks to the Stornoway Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund.
The Stornoway Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund has been in place for the last 10 years, providing local groups, projects and initiatives the opportunity to apply for sponsorship grants on an annual basis. Having invited applications for the most recent round of funding at the start of the year, Lewis Wind Power, the developer behind Stornoway wind farm, is delighted to award 16 local organisations with grants ranging from £350 to £1,050 in 2026 – supporting their important work in the local community.
The Fund complements other local support provided by Lewis Wind Power (LWP), including long- standing sponsorship of HebCelt Festival and recent funding for two fully-funded, three-year apprenticeships with John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver, which are supporting skills development and employment opportunities on the island.
Among the successful applicants of this year’s Fund are the Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club Development, Cardiac Risk in the Young (Andrew McLeod Memorial Fund), and Stornoway United Football Club.
LWP, the developer of Stornoway Wind Farm on the Isle of Lewis, is a 50:50 joint venture between ESB and EDF power solutions UK and Ireland. With proposals for Stornoway Wind Farm having been in development since 2003, LWP is progressing towards pre-development works for the wind farm which, once delivered, will make a significant contribution towards Scotland’s net zero targets.
Ellie Acton, Project Manager from Lewis Wind Power said: “Having worked closely with the community in Stornoway since the inception of the project in 2003, we are pleased to support numerous worthy local causes through this fund. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this year’s sponsorship fund come to life through so many brilliant local initiatives. From wellbeing and learning to cultural initiatives, we are proud to support the diversity and innovation that make this island thrive, ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.”
LWP has previously supported groups such as the Western Isles Highland Games Association and the Western Isles Volunteer Centre through the wind farm fund.
The Western Isles Volunteer Centre received a grant of £800 in 2025, which supported the Centre in the creation of its Volunteer for All project, to encourage more people on the Western Isles to volunteer and make a positive impact on the community.
Commenting on the value of the grant to the Centre, Bellann O’Brien, Intergenerational Community Connector and Development Worker, from Western Isles Volunteer Centre, said: “Funding from LWP has proved vital in supporting a series of intergenerational projects across the Isle of Lewis, helping to strengthen community connections by bringing older residents together with local schoolchildren to share traditional skills, stories and cultural knowledge.
“Delivered in Tong and Uig, each project was tailored to reflect the unique heritage of its community. At Tong Primary School, older volunteers led highly successful knitting and sewing workshops. In Uig, the focus was on Gaelic baking, where local women taught pupils classic recipes in a Gaelic-medium setting, reinforcing the use of the language. These sessions also provide valuable opportunities for children to engage in conversations about past ways of life, making cultural exchange as important as the practical skills learned.”
Stornoway Wind Farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The project would generate enough low-carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.
Since 2003, Lewis Wind Power has worked closely with Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the project. This includes a £50k donation for the last two years to a separate sponsorship fund through Stornoway Trust for local groups.
ENDS
*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of ‘Digest of UK Energy Statistics’ – latest figures as per July 2022 release
A full list of awards is detailed below:
| Organisation Name | Project | Award (£) |
| Sgoil nan Loch Parent Council | Funding the installation of a polycrub to provide a transformative outdoor learning space that supports pupils’ wellbeing, learning, and connection to their community. | £750 |
| Western Isles Branch of The Pony Club | Fund travel to national quiz competition | £1000 |
| Stornoway United Football Club | Fund inclusivity through the expansion of training support, facilities and equipment. | £500 |
| Uig Community Centre Association | Funding provided for player strips for participation in shinty games,and transport to games. |
£459 |
| Lewis Camanachd | Funding provided for player strips for participation in shinty games,and transport to games. |
£850 |
| Laxdale Community Association (SCIO |
Funding to Laxdale Locals community groups to sponsor Laxdale Littles Baby and Toddler Group, Social Senior over 60’s and the Junior and Senior Youth Club. |
£1,000 |
| Stornoway Primary School | Installation of a PA system to enhance communication within the school, creating opportunities for broader community engagement. |
£8000 |
| Volunteering Hebrides | Children’s Summer Cycle Library which will help 80 children and families to access a free bike over summer of 2026. | £1,050 |
| Swim Western Isles | Technique and Performance Improvement Kits, to purchase equipment. | £723.70 |
| The Douglas Leadbitter Legacy | Funding provided to the Legacy aid, for the provision of financial assistance to musicians to purchase instruments and cover lessons, tickets, and travel. | £300 |
| Barvas and Brue War Memorial | War Memorial Garden Area Development, for drainage works and the addition of a bench, as well as aggregates from IAC & McIver. | £1000 |
| An Taigh Ceilidh | Funding for the Social and Wellbeing Events Programme, to address social isolation and well-being. | £1,000 |
| Laxdale Primary School | Polytunnel Restoration, which will provide pupils with valuable hands-on learning opportunities to support the curriculum and well-being. | £900 |
| Ness FC (Juniors) | Use of Charlie Miller football academy coaches to provide young players with access to high-quality, professional coaching. |
£550 |
| Cardiac risk in the young (Andrew McLeod Memorial Fund) |
Free cardiac screenings for eligible young people between the ages of 14 – 35. (200 appointments to be made available over 2 days). | £1,050 |
| Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club Development |
Funds to develop the Gymnastics Club, helping them to purchase equipment. | £520 |