Speaker Lindsay Wells Scottish Landfill Communities Project

There was a friendly welcome for two prospective members, Issi Douglas and Ian Fraser.

Also to Lindsay Wells, who was introduced by her mother-in-law, member Fiona Wells.

Lindsay, a highly-qualified environmentalist, is currently project manager for the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SLCF), which she went on to explain in detail.

It is part of SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and involves a tax credit scheme which has helped to fund more than 1000 community projects throughout Scotland.

There are some 40+ landfill sites in Scotland, the majority of which are owned and operated by private companies. Since 2015, the Scottish Government has imposed a tax on the operators of £88.95 per ton of landfill. Of that income, 5.6% is then forwarded to the SLCF which has resulted in raising £30 million since the inception of the project.

Thirteen approved bodies in Scotland have the task of identifying appropriate community projects to which funds can be awarded. These can range from the upgrading of paths and walls, reclamation of land to create parks and walkways, maintaining and renovating historic buildings, installing playpark equipment or re-cycling works for a host of other projects.

A major factor is that such projects need to be within a 10-mile radius of a landfill site or transfer centre. The aim is to improve community issues which may be adversely affected by traffic, land use and general works in landfill sites.

The funding has helped the enhancement and conservation of natural habitats for wildlife and plantlife and is also required to be used for projects which are then open for public use.

As the money involved emanates from private sources through the tax credit scheme, it is not public money and therefore can be match-funded when community group projects seek further financial aid.

In addition to providing materials, the funding can also be used to help groups pay for financial and administrative advice and to employ expert help when necessary.

George McIntosh proposed the vote of thanks, noting that environmental issues regarding rubbish and general waste products is presently such an important and divisive issue. Lindsay had illuminated the company with a very clear picture on what is a difficult and complex subject.