Loganair donates £30,000 to renewable projects

Renewable energy projects in Scotland are to receive a £30,000 donation from Loganair.

The grants will allow six organisations to establish projects such as small-scale wind systems, solar panels, small-scale hydro power and charging point stations for electric vehicles.

The Scottish regional airline announced the initiative last year in line with its GreenSkies environmental initiative, a commitment to achieving net zero by 2040.

The carrier previously said its community fund would be released in three instalments of £10,000, with applicants able to access a maximum grant of £5,000 per project.

However, after being inundated with interest, Loganair decided to change the framework and award the full £30,000 after the first call for applications.

GreenSkies was launched in July 2021 with the introduction of a mandatory £1 carbon offsetting charge levied on all flights, with the money invested in accredited offsetting schemes.

Loganair is looking to launch a further round of funding later this year.

Six organisations across Scotland are now set to benefit from the funding with each to receive £5,000, in line with application requirements.

The airline’s charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, is among successful applications. It will use the funds for charging points for electric vehicles at its Robin House site in Balloch to help transport families to and from the house.

Not-for-profit Macaulay College on the Isle of Lewis, which supports adults and young people with additional social and educational requirements, is set to use its £5,000 grant to invest in solar panels.

The other organisations set to benefit from the scheme are based across the Highlands and Islands.

Chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “It is incredibly important to us that, along with our own efforts, we encourage and support organisations across the country to initiate their own renewables projects.

“Our Greenskies Community Fund is supporting six different initiatives that will not only tackle carbon emissions but also benefit communities by providing power that reduces energy bills.

“These projects are leading the way within their local communities and we are thrilled to help enable these efforts.”