The newly launched Cockburnspath and Cove Community Fund has allocated a £45,000 funding boost for local projects.

Five community initiatives are set to benefit from this first round of grant-making.

The fund, which combines community benefit funding from six local wind farms, aims to simplify access to funding for local groups and support their localised impact.

This includes the Penmanshiel, Crystal Rig I and II, Ferneylea, Fisherman 3, and Kinegar wind farms.

The fund is administered by Foundation Scotland.

The Cockburnspath Allotment Association received £18,075 for a new Polycrub Polytunnel, which will provide additional indoor growing space for its members and educational opportunities for primary school pupils.

ReTweed was granted £9,999 to deliver two ' intensive skills-based' training courses in Cockburnspath, focusing on the creativity, innovation, and enterprise potential in upcycling.

The Cockburnspath and Cove Parent Council received £8,862 to support a programme of extracurricular and additional learning activities.

Happy Swimmers was awarded £8,000 to provide swimming lessons and technique development for local young people.

Wee Wildlings was given £429 towards the construction of a beach hut at Coldingham Bay.

In addition to these five awards, two organisations have been invited to progress larger-scale applications for more ambitious projects that require over £20,000 in funding.

Suzie Fletcher, chair of Cockburnspath and Cove Community and panel member, said: "It’s been an informative and engaging first round for the fund, as we had applications from a broad range of community projects and are really delighted to be able to support the wonderful work these groups are doing with a cross section of people within our community.

"We openly encourage new projects that will benefit our local area to work together and we look forward to seeing what comes before the panel in 2025."

The fund was created to provide funding and support to community groups looking to enhance community life and facilities in Cockburnspath and Cove.

In 2025, the fund will have four rounds, maximising opportunities for groups to apply.

All awards will be decided by a panel of residents living in Cockburnspath and Cove who are interested in local community issues and activities.

Niome Lucjan, community funds advisor at Foundation Scotland, said: "This first round of funding is a testament to the community's focus on developing projects which will create a positive impact on the local area.

"I look forward to seeing what 2025 has to offer in terms of applications and awards."