Two University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) academic partners have been awarded nearly 25% of the £2 million available in the first round of Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Regional Community Benefit Fund. UHI Inverness and UHI North, West and Hebrides were among only ten organisations to secure funding, out of 328 applicants.

The successful bids, totalling over £460,000, will support the development of a Sustainable Construction Centre at UHI Inverness and the expansion of the Uist Unearthed digital archaeology project at UHI North, West and Hebrides.

UHI Inverness will receive £352,000 to establish a 12,000-square-foot Sustainable Construction Centre on Harbour Road, Inverness. The facility aims to provide training in sustainable building techniques, featuring solar panels, LED lighting, and heat pump technology. Professor Chris O'Neil, Principal and Chief Executive at UHI Inverness, said: "The Sustainable Construction Centre represents an investment in the future growth of UHI Inverness, demonstrating our focus on supporting a greener, more resilient built environment. Our commitment to supporting the Government's net zero targets is not just a goal, but a guiding principle that is shaping our curriculum."

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UHI North, West and Hebrides will use a £110,000 grant to expand its Uist Unearthed project, an interactive archaeology app. Augmented reality experiences will be introduced at six additional sites across Barra and Harris, allowing visitors to explore the region's historical sites. Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: "Uist Unearthed is a wonderful example of how colleges and universities can share innovative research and knowledge with our communities, and how we can work in creative partnership with both public and private sectors to have a transformative impact. We want to thank our funders for their support in enabling our archaeology team to expand this fantastic project beyond Uist, highlighting lesser-known sites in Barra and Harris through innovative use of digital technology, and positioning the Outer Hebrides as a key visitor attraction for archaeological interest and sustainable heritage tourism in the UK."

Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, said: "We're delighted to award our first £2 million of funding to incredible projects like UHI's work in sustainable construction and digital archaeology. UHI Inverness is addressing critical skills shortages in the construction industry, equipping future professionals with expertise in sustainable building. Meanwhile, UHI North, West and Hebrides is using innovative technology to showcase and preserve the rich archaeological heritage of Barra and Harris. As we deliver the infrastructure needed for energy security and net-zero targets, we remain committed to generating real, sustainable value—investing in projects that enrich lives, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient future."

Additionally, UHI Orkney is a partner in the Orkney Construction Training Group, which received £75,471 to develop modular housing solutions. Professor Seonaidh McDonald, Principal of UHI Orkney, said: "We are excited to see SSEN Transmission put innovative housing solutions at the top of their agenda. This very practical project will help us understand the potential of small-scale modular housing manufacturing to play a part in the solution here in Orkney and across Scotland's rural communities."

The funding successes highlight the UHI partnership's ability to secure significant funding through a collaborative approach, addressing regional priorities in sustainability, skills development, and cultural heritage.