Rory MacDonald finished his undergraduate degree in 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown and struggled to get a full-time job as employment opportunities were scarce.

He decided to pursue a Masters degree and was accepted to study Human Rights and International Politics at the University of Glasgow, but was concerned about the cost of the course.

He managed to pay most of it by taking out a student loan but still had a shortfall. Connect2 Renewables, a Windfarm benefit fund operated in partnership with Banks Renewables and South Lanarkshire Council, agreed to pay £3,000 towards the cost of the Masters, allowing Rory to go ahead with his studies.

He passed his course with flying colours at the end of 2021, and he has now successfully secured a job as an Account Manager with Newsdirect - a political monitoring company based in Edinburgh. Rory’s new role will involve researching the work of the Scottish Parliament and drafting policy reports for Newsdirect’s clients.

Rory says he is very excited about his new job offer and is grateful for the help he was given by Connect2 Renewables, as it has allowed him to complete his studies and find work related to his interests.

He said: “My family really appreciate the support I have received from the fund – it took a lot of financial pressure off us during a difficult time and has helped me to continue pursuing my passions.”

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: “The windfarm benefit fund was also able to provide Rory with a £200 pre-employment support grant following his acceptance of a job offer.

"This is awarded to anyone unemployed and moving into employment. It is designed to help with job start-up expenses, such as clothes and travel, and is paid within four weeks of starting employment.

“We wish Rory the best of luck in his new role, and we encourage anyone in a similar position to get in touch about potential funding opportunities.”

External Affairs and Sustainability manager at Banks Renewables, Robin Winstanley, said: “We are thrilled to hear of Rory’s success and that we were able to play a small role in enabling him to get there through the wind farm community funds. 

"We can only have this level of impact when working closely together with communities and our partners at South Lanarkshire Council. Well done Rory.”

To find out more about Connect2 Renewables, call 0800 9520 070 or get in touch by email.