SSEN Transmission has invited local people to help design the new Lewis Hub Local Fund, which will support projects and initiatives in communities closest to the Lewis Hub project in the Western Isles.

Residents and organisations in the North Lochs, Stornoway and Laxdale community council areas are encouraged to take part, particularly those nearest to the project at Arnish Moor.

Two in-person drop-in events will be held in May:

- Monday 18 May, 3.30pm–7pm, Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway

- Tuesday 19 May, 3pm–7pm, North Lochs Community Centre

Short presentations on the fund will be delivered at 4pm and 6pm at both venues. Attendees can drop in at any time and refreshments will be provided.

An additional online session will take place on Monday 25 May, from 2pm to 3.30pm, with registration available online.

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For those unable to attend, an online survey will be available from 18 May. To receive the survey link, email the Community Investment Team at [email protected].

The fund is expected to open later this year once development of the Lewis Hub gets underway and after feedback from local communities has been used to set funding priorities.

Linsay Chalmers, Community Investment Manager overseeing the fund, said: "The Lewis Hub Local Fund will deliver more than a million pounds for projects and initiatives that support local communities, but what really matters to us is that local people play a central role in shaping how that funding is used.

"That is why we are holding a series of events to give communities a real say in where the money goes, supporting projects that not only make a difference today but continue to benefit the Western Isles for generations to come.

"Through the Lewis Hub project, SSEN Transmission is committed to supporting long-term social and economic growth in the Western Isles and leaving a meaningful, lasting legacy for local communities.  The Lewis Hub Local Fund is a key part of that legacy, and builds on recent awards made through our separate Regional Community Benefit Fund, where projects in the Western Isles benefited from over £875,000 for local projects.

"We encourage local people to get involved in our upcoming events and help shape how the funding is used."

Further details, including how to take part, are available on the Lewis Hub Local Fund webpage.