East Lammermuir Community Benefits

East Lammermuir Community Benefits

Crystal Rig Community Benefit Fund

Detailed information, eligibility, criteria and application routes for the Crystal Rig Community Benefit Fund in East Lammermuir.

Applications for consideration at the November 2026 meeting should be submitted by 15 October 2026.

About the fund

The Crystal Rig Community Benefit Fund provides grants for local community projects using funding from Fred. Olsen Renewables, operator of the Crystal Rig wind farms.

The current arrangements include £80,000 a year from Crystal Rig I and II and £57,000 a year from Crystal Rig III. These sums vary annually in line with the Retail Price Index over the 25-year life of the wind farm schemes. Any unspent allocation is carried forward. About £12,000 each year is currently ring-fenced for small applications.

The fund aims to support projects and infrastructure that promote the economic, social or environmental sustainability of East Lammermuir and create a lasting legacy for Innerwick, Oldhamstocks, Spott, Stenton and surrounding areas.

Funding may be rolled up across years to support larger projects. The intention is to share funding as fairly as possible among East Lammermuir’s four communities, while recognising that awards depend on the applications received and the grants approved.

Who can apply

Community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, schools (for projects outside East Lothian Council’s statutory responsibilities) and social enterprises can apply for activities that benefit people or the environment in the East Lammermuir catchment area.

Funding is primarily focused within East Lammermuir. Discretionary consideration may be given to a project outside the immediate area where it would provide a significant benefit to East Lammermuir residents.

What the fund can support

The assessment criteria were reviewed in April 2024. The fund supports projects that:

  • Are sustainable and make a lasting difference
  • Provide, maintain or improve our village community buildings
  • Offer recreation and improved health and wellbeing
  • Contribute to the saving of lives, including Air Ambulance, Mountain Rescue, Local Lifeboat and First Responders
  • Help to tackle child poverty
  • Promote inclusion and reduce inequality
  • Address social isolation and loneliness
  • Encourage innovation, skills, employment and improve rural business opportunities
  • Develop life skills and experiences, such as budgeting, cooking and literacy
  • Support preparation for work or training
  • Improve digital and mobile connectivity
  • Encourage self-reliance and schemes that involve communities working together, not simply buying in solutions
  • Bring everyone together and encourage cohesion between the different communities as well as within the communities themselves
  • Reflect the very different needs and profiles of the communities in East Lammermuir
  • Promote environmental sustainability
  • Involve start-up costs for new groups
  • Organise community events
  • Facilitate out-of-school activities
  • Deliver community food projects

Proposals offering match funding are encouraged and welcomed.

The fund does not support applications that:

  • Have no public benefit for residents of East Lammermuir
  • Adversely affect, or work against the interests of, the wind farm, the owner of the land on which it is constructed, the company or any subsidiary or related company
  • Adversely affect, or work directly or indirectly against, any form of renewable energy development
  • Are sectarian or political in nature or could create excessive divisiveness in the local community
  • Are the legal responsibility of a third party, particularly the local authority, unless prior approval has been given by Fred. Olsen Renewables
  • Are for private gain or result in a private or individual profit being made
  • Are intended to make up for budget deficits elsewhere
  • Are for the repayment of loans or payment of debts
  • Are retrospective, including costs incurred before the application was received or projects already completed, whether or not already paid for
  • Include core revenue costs such as wages, utilities or rent
  • Request more than a £200 contribution to prizes given out at an event
  • Are for work in buildings known to be threatened with closure or a change of ownership
  • Only benefit one individual
  • Adversely affect the natural environment
  • Are for sponsorship or fundraising events
  • Are for travel costs for overseas trips

Before you apply

  • Read the eligibility and assessment criteria above.
  • Prepare a clear description of your proposal, the benefit to East Lammermuir, estimated costs, the amount requested and proposed start and end dates.
  • Have supporting estimates or quotations available where appropriate.

You can apply at any time. Applications are normally considered twice a year, in May and November:

  • Applications received from 1 November to 15 April are considered at the May meeting.
  • Applications received from 1 May to 15 October are considered at the November meeting.

Applications for consideration at the November 2026 meeting should be submitted by 15 October 2026. An application received later may move to the next consideration cycle.

How to apply

Start the online Crystal Rig application
Download the printable Crystal Rig application form (PDF)

If you cannot use the online form, download and complete the printable form or ask an ELCC councillor for a paper copy.

Before applying, please read the ELCBT Privacy Policy.

What happens after you apply

The online form displays a confirmation when an application has been received. The funding team may contact you if it has questions about your application. Applications are then considered at the appropriate twice-yearly funding meeting.

How decisions are made

Decision-making arrangements differ according to the Crystal Rig agreement that provides the funding. For Crystal Rig I and II, East Lammermuir Community Council advises Fred. Olsen Renewables, which holds the funds and makes the final approval decision. Approved funding is distributed on behalf of Fred. Olsen Renewables by ELCC.

For Crystal Rig III, East Lammermuir Community Benefit Fund Ltd holds the funds and final approval lies with its directors. East Lammermuir Community Benefit Trust administers and carries out associated charitable work. ELCBT and ELCB Fund Ltd provide a combined annual report to Fred. Olsen Renewables.

Questions

For questions about the Crystal Rig Community Benefit Fund or an application, email treasurer@elcc.scot.

Back to The Funds

Information last reviewed: 29 September 2026.