An inspirational charity that provides therapeutic horse riding and related activities to people with additional support needs has received a festive funding boost.

Shiresmill Therapy Riding Centre, near Blairhall, has received a £15,260 donation from ScottishPower, with the funds raised from the sale of vehicles and equipment previously used at Longannet Power Station.

Shiresmill also received a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, which was recently used during the capping and restoration of the Valleyfield Ash Lagoons. It will be used in the day-to-day activities required in the care of the animals at the centre.

Lynda Milne, Secretary of Shiresmill, said: “We can’t thank ScottishPower enough for its very generous donation and the John Deere Gator.

Dunfermline Press: Black Cob Cross, Murphy and Shetland pony, Pete join volunteers and ScottishPower representatives

"One of our ponies is being retired due to mobility problems, so we’ll use some of the money to buy a new pony. The bulk of the donation will go towards a new cabin with good disabled toilet facilities and an office.

"Our maintenance team are excited about the Gator as this will be a great help when clearing our fields, and carrying tools and materials around our site for fence repairs.”

Beginning generation in 1970, Longannet was the largest coal-fired power station in Europe when first built and remained Scotland's largest coal-fired power station until ScottishPower closed it in March  2016.

The Longannet equipment sold at auction included trailers used to transfer coal, water bowsers used to dampen down roads, tractors used for the likes of grass cutting and transporting fuel, and tow trucks used to move items around.

In total, 15 individual items were sold, raising a total of £91,563.75.

Dunfermline Press: Shiresmill

CRUK, ScottishPower’s nominated charity partner, received 50 per cent of the money raised (£45,781.88), while Shiresmill, Strathcarron Hospice in Denny and Rachel House children’s hospice in Kinross – all chosen by the team who have been working on the demolition, clearance and restoration of the Longannet and Valleyfield sites – each received £15,260.62.

Lorne McCulloch, from ScottishPower, was delighted to see Shiresmill receive both funding and the use of the Gator.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see these pieces of kit getting a new lease of life in a way that let's us further extend the reach of Longannet’s legacy by supporting the vital work of incredible charities like Shiresmill.

“It really stood out for us as a local charity, with everything it does delivered entirely by volunteers – no paid staff – to provide invaluable services and experiences that make a positive difference for a wide range of ages and abilities.

"We’re proud and humbled that we’re able to support their efforts and provide a much-needed funding boost, especially at this time of the year.”