03/09/2026
DESPITE a second consecutive year of lower than usual rainfall – meaning lower profits – a local community hydro community society has been able to support a range of local groups and projects in East Loch Lomond to the tune of over £14,000.
This year’s profits mean Buchanan Community Hydro Society (BCHS) – a community benefit company (bencom) – has been able to support a range of initiatives proposed by six community groups.
BCHS was commissioned in July 2022 with financial surpluses earmarked to support projects within the Stirlingshire parish of Buchanan – from Rowardennan in the north and taking in Balmaha, Milton of Buchanan, Buchanan Smithy and Buchanan Castle Estate to the south.
This fifth year of operation has brought the total awards made by the society’s community benefit fund to almost £90,000.
The 2026 beneficiaries include Drymen & District Senior Citizens’ Association which received £945 for its members’ Christmas lunch. Thanking BCHS for the award, secretary Linda More says: "Given the demographic of our club fundraising can be challenging. Thanks to this generous award from BCHS our annual Christmas lunch will be covered with no further outlay necessary from our members – and no need to organise any additional fund raising events.
“All members, regardless of their personal circumstances will be able to come along and enjoy Christmas lunch in friendly company and some festive entertainment with no extra burden on their finances.”
Buchanan Church Heritage Trust was awarded £8,400 to cover legal fees and help toward the purchase the Milton of Buchanan church building from Church of Scotland.
Trust chairperson Louise Doherty says: “Buchanan Church Heritage Trust is incredibly grateful of the support and funding from Buchanan Community Hydro Society – it has been instrumental in helping us move closer to our goal of purchasing Buchanan church building for the community.“
Buchanan Memorial Hall received £1,661 for various equipment.
“On behalf of the hall committee I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Buchanan Community Hydro Scheme for the generous grant funding.” says hall chairperson Gordon Campbell. “The support is helping us invest in our hall, ensuring it remains a welcoming, sustainable and valued space for the local community.”
East Loch Lomond Community Trust (ELLCT) submitted four successful applications totalling £1,587
“Previous years’ Christmas lights switch on and community picnic events have been such a success that we felt we should repeat them again this year,” says ELLCT secretary Margaret McDonald. “That’s been made possible thanks to this award from BCHS.”
The ELLCT’s award also includes help towards website hosting and maintenance, stationery and public liability insurance.
Buchanan Flower Show received £800 from the society. Speaking on behalf of the flower show committee, Hermione Thornhill says: “We are delighted to receive funds to repair two of our cups and run two workshops in the run up to its 80th show next year. This support has helped to enable this very popular local event to continue to run successfully.”
Completing this year’s funding is an award of £950 to Drymen Scouts. Thanking BCHS for its support, group lead volunteer Gav Rowley says: “We have already taken advantage of our grant – ten scouts attended an international camp at Blair Atholl along with around 900 scouts from all over the world ranging aged between 11 and 17.
“So not only were our scouts were able to use some of the new equipment purchased with the help of the award, they were also able to meet scouts from other countries including Canada, USA, Austria, Spain, China and Barbados.
“We are very grateful to be able to continue to offer these opportunities to the young people of Buchanan, Drymen and surrounding area.”
Award applications for next year’s fund will be open in Spring 2027 – specific information will be posted on BCHS' website and social media nearer the time.
ENDS
Photograph: Representatives from groups receiving awards from Buchanan Community Hydro Society (BCHS) are, from left: Margaret McDonald (East Loch Lomond Community Trust); Gordon Campbell (Buchanan Memorial Hall); Frances Barrett (president – Drymen & District Senior Citizens’ Association - DDSCA); Anne Hunter (BCHS); Linda More (secretary – DDSCA); Rosie Allan (Buchanan Church Heritage Trust - BCHT); Hermione Thornhill (Buchanan Flower Show); Jeanetta Doherty (Buchanan Church Heritage Trust - BCHT); Gav Rowley (Drymen Scouts); Roger Walls (BCHS). Front: Ayla Roberts and
Abbie Patrick (Drymen Scouts) Photo credit: Loch Lomond Studios.
