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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Stonehouse Market gains support from windfarm operator
The popular monthly event has a host of craft stalls and is marking its first anniversary this month A popular community craft market which is now celebrating its first anniversary has been praised for supporting and showcasing local businesses and drawing crowds of shoppers to a South Lanarkshire village. Stonehouse Market, which takes place in the community graden on King Street and was first held in June 2024, is led by the area's business association and has a range of traders queuing up to take part with their products ranging from cakes and candles to pet treats and unique handcrafted items. It received a £6500 grant from South Lanarkshire's Renewable Energy Fund with support from local windfarm operator OnPath Energy, who highlighted the community project's success in helping to revive the town centre "by supporting small businesses, promoting greener shopping and attracting crowds'. The Keep It Stonehouse market runs on the second Saturday of the month from May to September, with organisers also planning an additional Christmas market – with the next event taking place on June 14 from 10am to 2pm. A total of 14 stall spaces are available under its licence, so the event is regularly oversubscribed with a waiting list for potential traders. Regular stallholders include Unique 2 U, Missy's Melts, Fab Fancies, Cakes by Rebecca, Mecoco, Made with Love by Angela, Whippet Clean, Perfect Pup Pals, Windy Wizzen's Emporium, the Auld Stanehoose Cafe, K&G Crystal Portal and Davies Laser & Engraving. Now a regular fixture in the local calendar with its colourful traditionally-striped stalls, it also includes free family entertainment such as face painting and balloon modelling to add further attraction to market day, while the events have also encouraged nearby businesses to open specially while they take place. Stonehouse Business Association secretary Peter Ramsay said: 'It's more than just a market – it's a focal point for the community, a place for neighbours to meet, support local talent, and enjoy a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere right in the centre of the village. 'We were keen to bring something with character and colour, so we invested in old-fashioned, striped market stalls to give it that vibrant, traditional feel. The support from OnPath Energy helped us get the initiative off the ground, and it's gone from strength to strength ever since.' Picture framer Peter added: 'There are more than 100 small businesses in and around Stonehouse, many hidden from view – the market gives them a stage and helps people appreciate the diversity of local goods made on their doorstep.' The local business association was founded seven years ago to represent and promote local businesses and now has more than 40 members. Organisers say the monthly market 'reflects its core aim, to showcase Stonehouse's enterprising spirit and to bring economic benefits back to the village centre' and hope to increase the number of stalls in future years. Hamilton-based OnPath, which operates both the Kype Muir windfarm five miles south of Strathaven plus Middle Muir, near Douglas, contributed to the market through the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) administered by South Lanarkshire Council. Partnerships and community manager Aileen McCreadie said: 'We're proud to support local projects like this which demonstrate the value of community-driven regeneration – Stonehouse Market is an outstanding example of how REF can enhance everyday life through sustainable and inclusive initiatives. 'It encourages people to adopt greener shopping behaviours and give back to their local communities, and it will no doubt prove to be a popular destination over the summer. Initiatives like this help reduce travel to out-of-town retailers, cut down on packaging waste, and shine a light on the quality and creativity of local producers. 'By supporting small, independent businesses, markets like this make sustainable choices easier and more enjoyable for everyone.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New data ranks the most popular states for solar panels in 2025 — see which homeowners can save over $85,000
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C., are tops in the nation for interest in going solar. EnergySage, a platform that provides free and reliable information to homeowners interested in solar, recently reported that these five places requested the most solar quotes per capita in the first quarter of 2025. Massachusetts tops the list of solar-interested states, which makes sense since electricity prices there are among the highest in the country. State solar incentives and the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target program are helping drive interest in solar energy in Massachusetts. The payback period for a cash purchase in the state is 6.2 years, according to the reporting, and the projected 25-year savings are $85,713.92. Meanwhile, the projected 25-year savings with a cash solar system purchase are over $83,000 in Connecticut, over $60,000 in Maine, over $91,000 in Rhode Island, and over $80,000 in Washington, D.C. This EnergySage report is encouraging because it demonstrates how affordable solar systems can be when you take advantage of all available resources and savings opportunities. Many states, including these, have ambitious goals of curbing pollution and offer solar incentives to help offset the upfront costs of solar projects. Other examples include Connecticut's Smart-E Loan program and the Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy program. Maine's net billing policy and kilowatt-hour credit program assist solar customers, while Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Fund and D.C.'s Solar Renewable Energy Credits offer additional support. Regardless of where you live, it's smart to take action on solar upgrades now to cash in on valuable incentives that may not exist forever. With President Trump threatening to eliminate subsidies for clean energy transitions, acting now could mean saving thousands of dollars upfront on your solar panels — in addition to the money you can save over the lifespan of the panels. To get quick solar estimates and compare installer quotes in your state, check out EnergySage's free online tools. You'll get expert, unbiased support and connect with trusted local installers to maximize your savings and get the best deal on going solar. EnergySage has stated, "Last year, the U.S. hit a major milestone in domestic solar manufacturing and surpassed 50 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity. That's enough solar to supply power to almost 40 million homes." What's the biggest obstacle stopping your organization from using solar panels? They're too expensive Don't know where to start They're an eyesore We already use solar panels Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alaska is upholding our end. Congress must protect federal energy commitments.
The Port of Seward, with a docked cruise ship, is seen on June 19, 2024, from Race Point on Mount Marathon. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/alaska Beacon) Alaska has a long history of leadership in renewable energy. The state's Renewable Energy Fund, for example, has helped build more than 100 operating projects across Alaska — enabling rural communities to reduce their reliance on costly diesel, and slowing the Railbelt's consumption of Cook Inlet's dwindling natural gas supplies. Renewable energy investments build real projects in Alaska, generating savings for ratepayers and building our energy security. That's why, as former Republican and Democratic Alaska legislators, we went to bat for policies and investments that helped develop our state's vast renewable resources. State investment in renewable energy is now bringing in major federal dollars thanks to legislation approved by Congress in 2021 and 2022. The current version of the state budget for the coming year includes close to $100 million in funding for renewables — primarily from federal sources. Federal investments will support a range of energy projects across the state. There are funds to help electrify port infrastructure in Seward, upgrade rural power systems, weatherize homes to reduce Alaskans' home heating bills, and begin long-needed transmission improvements. These and more projects are described in a recent report, Securing Our Energy Future: Perspectives from Alaskans on the Importance of Federal Clean Energy Incentives. U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski have been working to ensure previously awarded energy funds are delivered as promised. But there is a fight ahead. The future of federal clean energy incentives is at risk in the coming federal budget process. Our congressional delegation understands the benefits of these federal clean energy incentives for Alaska — and they need to know Alaskans are behind them. Please join us in urging our delegation — Sen. Sullivan, Sen. Murkowski, and Rep. Begich — to safeguard these powerful tools so Alaska's commitment to renewable energy gets the federal partnership we deserve. Lesil McGuire, Alan Austerman, Beth Kerttula, Charisse Millett and Harry Crawford are former Alaska lawmakers with a combined 70 years of service in the Alaska Legislature representing constituents in Juneau, Southcentral and Interior Alaska. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
