The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust is currently accepting applications for its latest round of funding, aimed at assisting customers with the costs of connecting to the electricity network across the north of Scotland. The Trust provides substantial financial support, offering up to 75% of connection costs for successful community projects and up to 50% for individuals seeking new domestic connections.

As a registered charity, the Trust performs means-testing for all domestic applications to ensure support reaches those most in need. The deadline for the current application cycle is 14 May, with future submissions reviewed by Trustees on a quarterly basis.

David Telford, Chairman of the Trust, noted that the organisation was established nearly 30 years ago to help those in rural mainland and island communities overcome the challenges of high connection charges. He stated: “Over the last five years we’ve awarded over £564,000 of grants in support of the cost of new connections to the electricity network throughout SSEN’s licence area. From Arran, Argyll and Bute, across Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, to the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and all points in between, £154,500 of this total has been awarded to community projects providing significant benefit in their local area.”

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Recent beneficiaries of the grant scheme include:

• Fort William Marina & Shoreline Community Interest Company: The grant will facilitate an electrical supply to the West End Car Park. Sarah Kennedy, Company Secretary & Director, explained that this is essential for providing toilets and showers for marine visitors, cruise ship crews, and locals, stating, "This is really key for us to become a viable location for these marine visitors to our town."

• Strathdearn Community Developments: Funding has been secured for a site at Viaduct View in Tomatin to support the delivery of five three-bedroom family homes and an accessible bungalow. Maureen McDonald-Cooke highlighted that the affordable rental properties are intended for those with local connections, adding, "Our aim is to address the shortage of affordable housing in the region by providing high-quality homes that support both local and regional businesses during construction and beyond."

• Westside Football Club: Located in Lower Barvas, Isle of Lewis, the club received a grant to provide electricity to its premises. Chairman John Macleod commented that a dedicated supply would allow for a traditional approach to heating and lighting, noting, "Having a dedicated energy supply would have a hugely positive impact on the long term sustainability of the Club."