Community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust marked the Christmas season by spreading some seasonal cheer.
The trust, which uses its income from the three turbines at Beinn Grideag to support local organisations announced a raft of Christmas-themed grants at its AGM in November.
This includes a £1,700 grant for the creation of a very special Santa’s Grotto which took place at the Aros an Rubha Community Hub in Knock on December 15 and 16.
Families were invited to go along to meet Santa, take part in some Christmas craft, festive food and drinks topped off with a Christmas photograph taken by photographer SandiePhotos.
The free event was a highlight at the community hub which celebrated a year since completing an extensive refurbishment project in September 2022.
Other grant donations from Point and Sandwick Trust include £5,000 towards new Christmas lights between Branahuie and Parkend, £1,000 to Stornoway Primary Parent Council towards new Christmas lights to decorate the school, and £10,000 each for local friendship groups Cairdean Og Allt nan Gall and Young at Heart Tiumpan, which both held Christmas parties for members to celebrate the season.
Point Parent and Toddler group also held a party for their families who enjoyed a Christmas get together at Garrabost Free Church on December 15.
The £500 donation from PST meant the group met Santa, ate some delicious party food and enjoyed a friendly gathering with new friends and old, all without charge. Each family was also given a book by Garrabost Free Church.
Catriona Dunn of the group said: “The grant from Point and Sandwick Trust is extremely helpful for our group and this year the money was used towards buying a gift for each of the 25 children attending the party.
“In the past the parents have contributed food items and donated towards a gift but given the straitened circumstances families find themselves in at present and thanks to Point and Sandwick Trust’s grant, we don’t have to ask for a contribution, especially at a time of year when everyone’s expenses are higher”.
The Point Parent and Toddler Group meets every Friday morning during term time in Garrabost Free Church Hall and is run by volunteers offering a warm, friendly place for parents and children to gather. Everyone is welcome.
DJ MacSween, general manager at Point and Sandwick Trust said: “We are pleased to see the grants we announced at the AGM in November coming to fruition with lights and parties taking place across the area.
“Christmas time is definitely a time to be spreading some festive spirit and we’re pleased to play our part.”
