Point and Sandwick Trust is an active charitable organisation that promotes and funds community projects in Point and Sandwick, and the wider Western Isles. The Trust built and operates the UK’s biggest community wind farm, Beinn Ghrideag, a ten year project which is now one of the most successful income generators in the Western Isles. Funding managed by the Trust is gifted entirely from the profit created by ownership and operation of our 100% community-owned wind farm.
PST is governed by founding one founding principle, to promote the social, educational, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the people of the Western Isles, with a focus on the communities within Point and Sandwick. Our sole intention is to work for the benefit of community wellbeing and the means of achieving this are outlined in our Constitution.
Every year, we fund and support organisations and projects of all sizes and are committed to achieving positive change for individuals and communities on our doorstep and across the Western Isles. As well as donations to community projects, we offer a consultation service to community groups. We offer time and support to groups interested in developing their own projects so rather than just handing out money, we are helping to foster innovation and ideas in the community. Application for funding is open to all voluntary groups or community organisations, and project specific partnerships that are assessed against the criteria of our Constitution.
Each member of our community, those living within the Point and Sandwick crofting communities, have the right to a voice on how the Trust is run. Membership is free and you can find out more on how to join by clicking Join the Trust. Our decisions are based on results of extensive community consultation and our 2015-2020 community investment consultation is currently being delivered by the Point and Sandwick Board.
Our supporters
The Trust is supported by a strong membership in the local area and in addition we are immensely grateful for the grant and loan funding we received from the Big Lottery, Social Investment Scotland, Scottish Investment Bank and Santander Bank. We are also hugely indebted to our technical, legal and financial advisors, SgurrEnergy, Engie, HBJ Gateley and Mann Judd, for their tremendous support and commitment to our cause from the very outset. The success of the Trust today is dependent on the support of these organisations.
