Growing Community Assets - Investing in Communities II

Growing Community Assets (GCA) is one of three areas of funding which make up the BIG Lottery Programme, Investing in Communities II.

As part of Investing in Communities, Growing Community Assets is about communities having more control and influence over their own future through ownership of physical assets.  These are usually physical assets, such as land, buildings or equipment, but may also include other types of asset such as energy. For more information on applying to GCA please visit the BIG Lottery’s website. 

Community Energy Scotland provides free advice and support to successful GCA applicants who are working on community renewables projects.

GCA is open to community groups across Scotland.

After Stage One, groups will start the modular learning system with access to info sheets, development stages, project planning, skills assessment and risk assesment for their project. Interactive Coaching Sessions on relevant topics and Training will help groups to collect the knowledge and skills necessary to take forward their BLF assisted project. All of this will compliment the one-to-one mentoring provided by the local Community Energy Scotland Development Officer.

Community Energy Scotland has supported eight projects through GCA to fully install their renewable assets. Turbines are turning on Westray, Tiree, Udny, Hoy, Rousay, Stronsay and Shapinsay and the island of Foula is now supplied by reliable renewably-sourced power from their hydro scheme and wind turbines. Community Energy Scotland is supporting ten further community groups to develop renewable energy installations across Scotland to create a sustainable income for their communities.

 To find out more about the fund visit Big Lottery’s website at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_growing_community_assets