Welcome to the website for the grant-giving body associated with the Cruach Mhor Windfarm on the Cowal Peninsula.
Our Latest News
- Supporting Communities Fund is open
- Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trustee Election
- CMWFT Launches New Website
Introduction to the Trust
The Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust was established by agreement between Argyll & Bute Council and Scottish Power Renewables at the completion of the Cruach Mhor Windfarm in 2004. Cruach Mhor sits above Glendaruel and the Windfarm consists of 35 turbines with an output of 30MW.
As one of the early wind farms the community benefit payments to the Trust, set up to disperse these in the community, was low, starting at only £25,000 a year. Index linked the Trust now receives some £45,000 a year.
A new Trust deed agreed in 2024 widened the membership of the Trust and the Trust will shortly hold elections for three community representatives rather than the single one under the previous agreement. The Trustees also include a representative of the Argyll & Bute Council and two members nominated by ColGlen Community Council. A representative of Scottish Power Renewables attends Trust meetings.
The Trust has supported a wide range of community projects including poly tunnels, shelters for socially distanced gatherings during Covid, cost of living payments, support for fuel costs, river improvements, an archeological dig, and children’s Halloween parties. The trust makes grants to young people from the community going on to further and higher education and has assisted the provision of driving lessons for a similar group.
Grants are normally decided at the quarterly meetings of the Trustees and an application form can be found HERE. The Trust prefers to match fund rather than solely fund projects and events and is looking for direct benefit from such projects for the communities and residents of Colintraive and Glendaruel.
Minutes of Trust meetings can be found HERE.
In March 2025 bids were considered for a further 25 year lease on the Windfarm site, which is owned by Forest & Land Scotland.
When the existing turbines are re-powered, it is anticipated that there will be a substantial increase in the funds available to the community and further consultation with the community will be undertaken regarding priorities for the future.
You can contact the Secretary of the Trust by email at info@cmwft.scot.