Wind farm funding helps Lesmahagow pupils access Duke of Edinburgh Award

Young people at Lesmahagow High School are developing confidence, independence and a lifelong connection with the outdoors thanks to funding linked to a nearby wind farm. 

Lesmahagow High School Parent Council received just over £7,000 from the Kype Muir Community Panel using funds from nearby Kype Muir Wind Farm, owned by renewable energy developer OnPath Energy. The money went towards the purchase of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expedition equipment for the pupils, many of whom have additional support needs (ASN). 

The school has bought rucksacks, tents, stoves, sleeping bags, waterproof clothing and other outdoor equipment, some of which has been specially adapted for people with ASN.  

The equipment includes Trangia stoves which sit low to the ground with a wide base making them much harder to knock over accidentally and are particularly good for people with poor hand eye coordination. The tents feature blackout sections, supporting pupils who may be sensitive to light and changes in their sleeping environment. 

The equipment will support 41 pupils undertaking Bronze and Silver DofE Awards this year, with an increasing number set to benefit in subsequent years including gold award participants on a planned expedition to Norway in 2027. 

S6 student, Laura Gardiner, was part of the latest DofE expedition at the school, the first to benefit from the new equipment.

“It was really good to get away from home for a couple of days and the new equipment made everything 10 times easier. The new bags and stoves were a life saver. The bags were easy to carry and comfy and the stoves were very light and easy to pack and use.

“To get out of your comfort zone now and again is such a scary thing but when you do it makes you feel good, especially if there is new equipment to enjoy! My favourite part was going to the beach and having a bonfire until late at night.”

Stuart Rivans, outdoor learning teacher at Lesmahagow High School, added: 

“Duke of Edinburgh is not just about academic achievement. This is about teamwork, social skills and making new friends. It also gives the ASN children a sense that they’re not different and they’re accepted and engaging with DofE helps to ensure we deliver on our mission of full inclusion throughout the curriculum.” 

The school reintroduced the DofE programme in 2025 after successfully running Forest Schools from S1.  

“There’s just a confidence that starts in S1 with fire lighting and shelter building. By third year they can set up a small forest school camp and safely map out a fire area. It all breeds a connection with nature and hopefully a lifelong love of nature.” 

Prior to receiving the funding, the school relied heavily on borrowing equipment from community groups and family friends. In an area where some families face financial pressures, the funding has helped ensure that access to outdoor learning and adventure is determined by enthusiasm and ability rather than household income. 

OnPath Energy is one of the UK’s leading renewable energy developers, the Kype Muir Community Panel (KMCP) is a community-led group representing local areas around the wind farm, responsible for managing and allocating funding to projects that reflect local priorities and deliver tangible benefits for nearby communities on behalf of OnPath Energy. 

In 2025 OnPath awarded more than £1.2 million in community funding supporting local groups and organisation promoting good health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable cities and communities. 

Aileen McCreadie, community and partnerships manager at OnPath Energy, said: 

“The DofE Award gives young people opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence and develop skills that will stay with them throughout their lives. 

“What makes this project particularly special is its focus on making the DofE accessible for everyone no matter their background. 

Aileen McCreadie, community and partnerships manager at OnPath Energy

“Projects like this are exactly what the Kype Muir Wind Farm Community Fund was created to support. It will benefit pupils throughout their lives whilst supporting future generations of young people at Lesmahagow High School.”

The fund is administered by the Kype Muir Community Panel and the Lesmahagow Community Council panel member, Ailsa Lorimer, said:

“Taking part in the DofE Award helps young people build confidence, independence and valuable life skills. We are pleased this funding will help more pupils access the opportunities the programme provides, and we wish them every success in their DofE journey.

“The Kype Muir Community Fund continues to support a variety of projects across the Lesmahagow area, helping local groups and organisations deliver positive outcomes for the community.”

Lesmahagow High School plans to submit another grant bid to OnPath Energy to buy GPS trackers, GoPro cameras and staff equipment for the four expeditions planned for 2027.

“The kids were toasty warm all day, but the staff were leaking in quite a few places!” said Stuart.

Local communities can find out if they may be eligible for funding by visiting www.onpathenergy.com/kype-muir.