GLASGOW, GB – Fans of the beloved Scottish sitcom Still Game were delighted this week as actress Jane McCarry, famously known for her role as the perpetually gossiping Isa Drennan, traded the fictional streets of Craiglang for a real-life community initiative in Twechar. McCarry boarded the brand-new electric minibus for Twechar Community Action, a vehicle poised to revolutionise local transport and significantly boost the community’s efforts towards sustainability.
A Greener Journey for Twechar Residents
The arrival of this state-of-the-art electric minibus marks a major milestone for the Twechar community. Funded by a substantial £55,960 grant from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund, the vehicle replaces the charity’s ageing, higher-emission diesel bus. This transition is more than just a technological upgrade; it represents a vital lifeline for many residents.
Jane McCarry spent time with older residents and members of Twechar Community Action, celebrating the accessibility and environmental benefits of the new transport option. The minibus is specifically designed to serve the needs of elderly residents, individuals with restricted mobility, and low-income families, ensuring they can access essential services like healthcare appointments, local shops, leisure activities, and crucial community events.
Addressing Local Needs with Bespoke Transport
The impetus for this project stemmed directly from local consultation. Feedback highlighted an urgent requirement for a bespoke transport service tailored precisely to the demographic challenges faced by the Twechar area. By investing in an electric model, the charity not only secures more reliable transport but also drastically cuts long-term running costs, freeing up resources for other vital community services.
The move aligns perfectly with Scotland’s ambitious drive towards net zero. By reducing local car journeys and eliminating tailpipe emissions associated with the old diesel vehicle, Twechar Community Action is demonstrating tangible steps toward decarbonisation at a grassroots level.
Jane McCarry Champions Community Connection
Speaking at the launch event, Jane McCarry emphasised the profound social impact of reliable, accessible transport. “I’m absolutely delighted to be part of this celebration and to spend time with the people who will be using this incredible bus week in, week out,” McCarry stated.
She continued, highlighting the human element: “It’s not just about getting from A to B – for so many here it’s about keeping friendships alive, staying independent, and having the freedom to be part of community life. Days like this remind you how important it is to stay connected, and it’s been wonderful to see first-hand how something as simple as better transport can make such a big difference.”
Transformational Funding Delivers Real Change
Lorna Thomson from Twechar Community Action echoed this sentiment, describing the funding as “transformational for Twechar.”
“Reliable, sustainable transport means our elderly residents can get to appointments without worrying about how they’ll get home, our community groups can plan more activities knowing transport is sorted, and families on lower incomes can get out and about without extra expense,” Thomson explained. “For us, it’s about removing barriers and making sure everyone – regardless of income or mobility – can stay connected to opportunities beyond the village.”
SP Energy Networks Pledges Support for Green Initiatives
The funding originated from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund, a scheme dedicated to supporting projects that deliver measurable social and environmental benefits across Central and Southern Scotland. Guy Jefferson, transmission managing director at SP Energy Networks, stressed the importance of this localised investment.
“This is what the Transmission Net Zero Fund was created for, boosting projects that deliver real social and environmental benefits for people in our communities,” Jefferson commented. “Twechar’s new minibus will keep the community moving, connected and greener for years to come. Seeing it in action today, with Jane joining one of the weekly trips, underlines why this kind of investment matters. It’s about tackling isolation, giving communities the tools to thrive, and doing it in a way that’s sustainable for the long-term future.”
This funding initiative is part of a broader effort by SP Energy Networks to decarbonise the region. Grants have supported a diverse array of projects, including the installation of renewable energy solutions, heat pumps, electric vehicle fleet upgrades, and building retrofits aimed at improving energy efficiency and slashing greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts underscore the critical link between infrastructure investment and achieving national climate targets.
The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature continues its tradition of highlighting vital grassroots work across Scotland every Friday. This latest story serves as a powerful reminder that the transition to a net-zero future is being driven forward by dedicated local charities using innovative technology to improve daily lives.
