OREANDA-NEWS. As a responsible developer, SSE provides local and regional community funds for each new onshore wind farm we build.

Thanks to an award of ?4,000 from SSE’s Toddleburn Community Fund pupils at Stow Primary School are the proud new owners of a tipi style outdoor classroom. 

The 12 foot wooden and canvas Mongolian tent will be used all year round as an educational space for outdoor learning and play. It is the first of its kind to be installed at a school in the Scottish Borders.

Stow Primary School recently lost part of their playground to the construction of the new Borders Railway which will link the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh. The new yurt has provided an alternative outside facility in place of the old playground area. It will be used by all age groups at the school and will be made available for local community groups. The open structure is particularly beneficial for children with special education requirements as it is adaptable to their needs.

The yurt, which is hand crafted using traditional methods,  was officially opened by Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Education Councillor Sandy Aitchison, a former pupil at the school.

Councillor Aitchison said: “When I was a pupil at Stow School in 1952 we had nothing like this, then it was just inkwells and nibs. This is a place where a child’s imagination can soar and will inspire thoughts and dreams – and that can only be a good thing.”

Lynda Gilroy, Senior Nursery Nurse at Stow Primary School said: “The children will love having such a stimulating environment to pick up skills that can’t be taught in the classroom. The award from the SSE Toddleburn Community Fund has allowed us to install this yurt which will be a huge asset to both the school and the local community.”

Ciara Wilson, SSE said: “We were delighted to award Stow primary School ?4,000 to construct the yurt. Outdoor learning is such an important part of children’s development and this unique asset will be there for children to enjoy for years to come.”

The Toddleburn community fund, provided by SSE, has an annual value of approximately ?77,000 for community and charitable projects in Stow, Heriot and Oxton and Channelkirk. Over the 25 year lifespan of the wind farm, at least ?2 million will be invested in the benefit area. Decisions on how the money is allocated are made by an independent panel of local people.