At 1,500 ft above sea level Leadhills Golf Club is a natural hilly course and is a superb asset in rural Clydesdale.

The Club (LGC) will receive £48,768 from Greencoat Capital Andershaw Windfarm which contributes into the REF.

The money will cover the purchase of new machinery, including two ride-on mowers to accommodate the fairway and rough, a walk behind mower to maintain the tees and greens and a trailer to transport tools and equipment.

The new equipment will allow LGC staff and volunteers to maintain and enhance the activities and opportunities the golf course provides for years to come.

The grant from the REF is 50% of the total project costs, with Clyde Wind Farm approving the remaining 50% to allow the project to proceed.

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, 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 with local businesses to enhance tourism, attracting more visitors and it works well with the Primary School to encourage the younger residents to enjoy the game of golf.

“The award also provides sustainability by upgrading to cleaner more versatile machines, as well as protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

“I am delighted the committee agreed to the funding from the REF and wish Leadhills Golf Club all the best for the future.”

Since 2004, the council has collected and administered Community Benefit funding through Planning and Economic Development Services. 

The service is responsible for securing the contributions from developers, advising potential applicants, assessing applications and monitoring projects to ensure that the community benefits associated with each project are delivered. More information on the REF is available from the council website.

Processes are continuously reviewed to ensure the best practices in grant provision and monitoring are undertaken to ensure the necessary support is delivered to eligible communities.