Lesmahagow farm benefits from wind power

A Lesmahagow dairy farm has benefited from the wage subsidy offered by a Windfarm Employer Incentive to help local people find work.
A farming life was just the job for Ewan Finnie.A farming life was just the job for Ewan Finnie.
A farming life was just the job for Ewan Finnie.

The fund provided John Bryson and Sons at Dykehead Farm, Lesmahagow, with the cash to provide full training, appropriate workwear and other equipment for its newest employee.

William Bryson, the dairy farm manager, said the fund has been great and he has appreciated the support especially in the current climate.

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Mr Bryson said: “I first became aware of the fund when I was playing a round of golf with a friend of mine who works for the council.

“It sounded like a great idea and I knew of a local lad who was looking for work. His name was Ewan Finnie. He had no experience at all so I decided to apply for the funding which would help with training and the other basic necessities that Ewan would need to get started.”

When Ewan left school he was taking part in a Council Vocational Transition Programme designed to help young people get into employment.

Ewan said: “I really enjoyed the few months I spent on the transition programme. But when I heard about the opening at the dairy, which is just a few minutes’ walk from my house, I jumped at the chance.

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“I have always enjoyed being outdoors so the chance to work and learn on the farm was just what I was looking for.”

Ewan has now become a real asset to the dairy, working hard at all aspects of the job and has already proven to be a reliable member of the team.

William said: “I have mentioned the incentive scheme to others in the area and would encourage anyone else to look into it. After all it is a bit of a win, win situation – employers get the initial financial backing to help employ someone.”

William applied for assistance to take on Ewan from the Banks Renewables Windfarm Fund.

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The Windfarm Fund Connect2Renewables Employability initiative is delivered by the council and is part of Banks’ commitment to the economy and communities within a 10km radius of Middle Muir Windfarm development in Crawfordjohn and 10km radius of Kype Muir Windfarm development in Strathaven.

Robin Winstanley, sustainability and external affairs manager, Banks Renewables said: “We are delighted to have been able to help Ewan Finnie get a job at William Bryson‘s dairy farm in Lesmahagow. We wish him the very best of luck in his new job and look forward to helping many more from the community into work.”