Residents of the Western Isles are being urged to take part in deciding how £5 million-plus of community benefit funding is spent to benefit local communities.
Panel members will be a part of the new Local Investment Forum which will assess and decide on applications for SSEN Transmission community benefit funding associated with new and proposed transmission infrastructure in the Western Isles.
The forum will get local people involved in the decision process, drawing on their knowledge and experience to help ensure investment responds to local priorities and delivers lasting benefits.
Its initial focus will be the Lewis Hub Local Fund, which will launch in November and invest £1.06million over five years in communities closest to the new infrastructure, specifically within the community council areas of North Lochs, Stornoway, Laxdale and Sandwick.
The fund has been shaped through extensive engagement with local communities, with feedback helping to determine how it will operate and the priorities it will support.
Funding will be available for projects that create meaningful local impact, build a long-term legacy and address at least one of four priorities:
- Health and wellbeing, including tackling social isolation and supporting intergenerational projects.
- Accessible and affordable activities for children and young people, including activities, equipment and travel.
- Community-led facilities and amenities, including community centres and leisure, gym and sports facilities.
- Building the capacity of community organisations, including investment in skills development and people.
SSEN Transmission are aiming to provide more than £5million through local community benefit funds linked to new and proposed infrastructure in the Western Isles, in addition to funding that is already being delivered through its Regional Fund – which is currently in its third round where a share of £2million is available for projects across the company’s network operating area in the north of Scotland.
The Lewis Hub Local Fund marks the first phase of this investment, with further funding expected to become available as other eligible projects move into main construction, subject to securing the necessary planning consent.
Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “We’re delighted to begin recruiting members of our new Local Investment Forum, giving local people a direct say in how an anticipated £5 million-plus of community funding is invested across the Western Isles.
“The forum will initially make decisions on our £1.06million Lewis Hub Local Fund, launching in November, before helping deliver future community funds associated with our new and proposed transmission infrastructure.
“We want people who know their communities, have experience in the voluntary or community sector and understand local priorities to play a central role in delivering these funds, helping ensure they make the greatest possible difference. No previous funding panel experience is required, and members will receive full induction and ongoing support.
“Building on the funding already delivered through the SSEN Transmission Regional Fund, this is another important step in creating a lasting positive legacy from our investment in the Western Isles. We’d encourage anyone who wants to play their part to apply.”
Applications are open to people across the Western Isles, with applications particularly welcomed from those with knowledge of the east of Lewis, where much of the new transmission infrastructure expected during the forum’s five-year is likely to be located.
No previous funding panel experience is required. Applicants should bring local knowledge and relevant community or voluntary sector experience, or knowledge of the fund’s priority themes. Members will receive a full induction and ongoing support.
Members will serve for five years and receive a fee of £1,000 per year. The closing date for applications is November 15. Anyone interested in becoming a forum member should contact Linsay Chalmers at
The role is not open to community councillors, local authority staff members or elected members due to UK Government guidance. Anyone in these categories cannot apply, even if planning to stand down upon selection for the forum.
