Braidwood Community Group received more than £66,000 from the council-administered fund to create a safe, inclusive and accessible local playpark.

The grant will be funded from Black Law Windfarm which contributes into the REF.

This will include a mulch-bond surfacing that is suitable for wheelchair and children with a wide range of mobility issues, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and a basket swing.

This will mean additional support for users of differing abilities is located within a swing-combination unit, encouraging children of all abilities to play together.

Karen Shields, Group Treasurer of Braidwood Community Group, said: “We are thrilled and immensely proud to learn that we have been awarded the funding we have worked tirelessly for over the past five years.

“This achievement marks a significant milestone in our campaign to improve play facilities for the children and families of Braidwood.

“We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the community and all those who believed in our vision.

“This funding will allow us to enhance the village’s play area, ensuring a safer, inclusive and more enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy for years to come.”

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “It’s great news for the residents of Braidwood and surrounding areas that the REF can help contribute towards the new play equipment.

“Braidwood Community Group should be congratulated for the time and effort they have put in to ensure their community have a playpark that will be much more accessible and safer for young people to use.”